← Explore on the interactive map

Council of Ferrara–Florence (1438)

Type Event Region Europe Time 1438–1439

In January 1438 Pope Eugene IV convened a council at Ferrara to unite the Catholic Church with the Byzantine Empire against the Ottoman threat;…

Timeline

  1. 1438Ferrara · Emilia-RomagnaPope Eugene IV convened an ecumenical council at Ferrara under the House of Este; Byzantine Emperor John VIII Palaiologos arrived with an Orthodox delegation, and the two sides debated doctrinal differences over the Filioque, the leavened host, purgatory, and other issues.
  2. 1439Florence · TuscanyThe council relocated to Florence due to plague and financial pressure, with the Medici family providing hospitality and funding. Greek scholars and Orthodox clergy streamed in, promoting the spread of Platonism and classical learning in Italy.
  3. 1439Florence · TuscanyThe council issued the Bull of Union of Florence (Laetentur Coeli), declaring doctrinal agreement between the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches. The Orthodox delegation signed and returned home, but the union met strong resistance in Byzantium itself and was never implemented over the long term.

Sources