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Antipope Benedict XIII

Type Figure Region Spain Time 1328–1423 Also known as Benedict XIII

A Spanish cardinal raised to the antipapacy in 1394, he was the last Avignon claimant of the Western Schism;…

Timeline

  1. 1328–1394Huesca · AragonBorn to a noble family at Huesca in Aragon, his real name was Pedro de Luna. He held several important church offices, supported the Avignon claimants after the Schism began in 1378, and was raised to cardinal in 1383. Renowned for his legal and diplomatic skills, he was trusted by the Iberian kings.
  2. 1394–1417Avignon · ProvenceAfter the death of his predecessor Clement VII in 1394, he was elected pope by the Avignon college of cardinals, taking the name Benedict XIII. He faced off against the Roman claimant Boniface IX and was recognized by the Iberian crowns of Aragon, Castile, and others. He repeatedly rejected proposals from all sides that he resign to end the Schism.
  3. 1417–1423Peñíscola · ValenciaDeposed by the Council of Constance in 1417, he withdrew to the castle of Peñíscola, still claiming to be the lawful pope and appointing cardinals. He died at Peñíscola on 23 May 1423, and the last echoes of the Western Schism faded with him.

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