This removed the foundation for the existence of the Templar order. Their banking interests and their French character also contributed to their fall. The Templar order was pan-European, with branches in every major European country. However, the strongest Templar group was French. The Templars managed or helped to manage the French treasury and they made made large loans to Philip IV believing that this would strengthen their relationship with the King.
Autocrats are a fickle lot and the loan had the opposite effect.
Philip plotted to destroy the Templar order and seize their holdings in France. Using a weak pope, Clement V, as a tool Philip pushed the accusation of heresy against the Templars. There is a horrible irony to this, since the Templars were the most dedicated of Christians. During the Crusades, captured Templars were frequently offered their lives if they would convert to Islam. Hundreds died rather than betray their beliefs.