He renewed the austerity of Benoit XII's reign. But despite his good intentions the pontifical treasure no longer existed. In 1358, he was even obliged to sell his personal silver and jewels. Too clumsy, his policy was not a great success.
As well, it is a period of large miltary campaigns, costly to Avignon. Ramparts have to be constucted; famine and the plague ravage the city again. Overwhelmed by too many worries, Innocent VI's health declined and he died on September 12, 1362. His tomb is situated in the Chartreuse de Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, founded by him in 1356.