Gregory XII
Pope Gregory XII reigned during the tumultuous Western Schism, facing opposition from rival claimants in Avignon and Pisa. He voluntarily resigned in 1415 to facilitate the Church's reunification, a significant act that ultimately helped end the schism. His pontificate is marked by his efforts towards reconciliation and his eventual peaceful retirement.
Key Facts
- ›Born Angelo Corraro in Venice around 1327.
- ›Appointed Bishop of Castello in 1380 and titular Latin Patriarch of Constantinople in 1390.
- ›Created cardinal by Pope Innocent VII in 1405.
- ›Reigned during the Western Schism, facing rival claimants.
- ›Voluntarily resigned to help end the schism.
- ›Lived out his final years in peaceful obscurity in Ancona.
Angelo Corraro, Angelo Corario, Angelo Correr
Council of Pisa, Council of Constance
- Chosen Pope Under Condition To Resign If Schism Could Be Ended.
- Initiated Negotiations With Benedict Xiii To End the Western Schism.
- Created Four Corraro Nephews As Cardinals, Despite Prior Promise.
- Convened A Rival Council At Cividale Del Friuli.
- Appointed Proxies To Represent Him At the Council of Constance.
- Voluntarily Resigned the Papacy On July 4, 1415.
Western Schism, Benedict Xiii, Alexander V, John Xxiii, Council of Pisa, Council of Constance, Carlo I Malatesta, King Ladislaus of Naples, Venice, Savona, Lucca, Rimini, Cividale Del Friuli, Frascati, Ancona, Pope Eugene Iv
About Gregory XII
Pope Gregory XII
Pope Gregory XII, born Angelo Corraro, Corario, or Correr, served as the head of the Catholic Church from November 30, 1406, to July 4, 1415. His pontificate was defined by his struggle to resolve the Western Schism, a period of division within the Catholic Church that saw multiple claimants to the papacy.
Life and Historical Context
Born around 1327 in Venice to a noble family, Angelo Corraro pursued a clerical career, being appointed Bishop of Castello in 1380 and later titular Latin Patriarch of Constantinople. He was elevated to cardinal in 1405 by Pope Innocent VII. His election as pope occurred at a critical juncture in the Western Schism, which had divided the Church for decades. He was chosen by a conclave of fifteen cardinals with the understanding that he would resign if it would lead to the end of the schism.
Pontificate and Resolution of the Schism
Gregory XII's papacy was largely occupied with diplomatic efforts to reconcile the Church. He engaged in negotiations with Benedict XIII, the rival claimant in Avignon, but these efforts were fraught with suspicion and political maneuvering, with both popes fearing capture. The situation was further complicated by the Council of Pisa in 1409, which declared both Gregory XII and Benedict XIII deposed and elected Alexander V as pope, inadvertently creating a three-way schism. Gregory XII, in response, convened a rival council. The ultimate resolution came with the Council of Constance. Gregory XII, through his appointed proxies Carlo Malatesta and Cardinal Giovanni Dominici, authorized the council's actions and formally resigned on July 4, 1415. This voluntary abdication was a pivotal moment, allowing the council to depose the Pisan claimant John XXIII and elect Martin V, thus ending the Western Schism.
Later Life and Legacy
Following his resignation, Gregory XII was appointed Bishop of Frascati, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and perpetual legate at Ancona. He spent the remainder of his life in peaceful retirement in Ancona. His resignation is historically significant as it was the last papal resignation for almost 600 years until Benedict XVI in 2013. Modern historiography, particularly since the mid-20th century, recognizes Gregory XII as the legitimate pope, with Alexander V and the first John XXIII now considered antipopes, solidifying Gregory XII's crucial role in restoring Church unity.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Gregory XII reign?
Pope Gregory XII reigned from November 30, 1406, to July 4, 1415. His pontificate occurred during the period of the Western Schism.
Why is Pope Gregory XII significant?
Gregory XII is significant because he voluntarily resigned the papacy in 1415 to help end the Western Schism. This act was instrumental in reunifying the Catholic Church.
Who were Pope Gregory XII's rivals during the Western Schism?
During the Western Schism, Pope Gregory XII was opposed by the Avignon claimant Benedict XIII, and later by the Pisan claimants Alexander V and John XXIII.
What happened after Pope Gregory XII resigned?
After Gregory XII's resignation, the Council of Constance was able to depose Antipope John XXIII and later elect a new Roman pontiff, Martin V. The papacy was vacant for two years after Gregory XII's death.
Was Pope Gregory XII canonized as a saint?
No, Pope Gregory XII was not canonized as a saint. However, his reign is now recognized as legitimate by the Annuario Pontificio, reflecting his crucial role in resolving the Western Schism.
Related Popes
Martin V
Pope Martin V, born Oddone Colonna, was elected in 1417, effectively ending the Western Schism. His pontificate focused on restoring papal authority in Rome and the Papal States, rebuilding infrastructure, and navigating complex political and religious challenges, including the Hussite Wars and the Ottoman threat. He is also noted for founding the University of Louvain and his decisions regarding annuity contracts.
Eugene IV
Pope Eugene IV, born Gabriele Condulmer, was head of the Catholic Church from 1431 to 1447. His papacy was defined by significant conflict, notably with the Conciliar movement, the powerful Colonna family, and external threats to the Papal States. Despite these challenges, he played a crucial role in the eventual decline of the Conciliar movement and the restoration of papal authority.
Felix III
Pope Felix III, bishop of Rome from 483 to 492, is primarily known for his repudiation of the Henotikon, an imperial edict intended to reconcile Catholics and Eutychians. This act initiated the Acacian schism, a significant division between the Eastern and Western Churches that lasted until 519. He also excommunicated key figures in the East, including Peter the Fuller and Peter Mongus.