Council of Pisa

Timeline

1. 1408–1409Pisa · TuscanyDriven by French and Italian cardinals, the deadlock of both schism sides refusing to withdraw prompted reformers to convene representatives through a general council; attendees included bishops, abbots, university representatives, and supporters of some secular authorities.
2. 1409Pisa Cathedral · TuscanyThe council ruled Gregory XII and Benedict XIII to be schismatics and deposed them, then elected Alexander V (Peter Philargi) as the new pope, forming a third papal center alongside Rome and Avignon.
3. 1409–1417Pisa–Bologna · ItalyThe Pisa route failed to win broad recognition: the deposed popes refused to resign, and loyalties among European states became more confused. However, the council established the precedent that a general council could judge a pope, directly prompting the convocation of the Council of Constance in 1414.