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Resolution of the Problem of the Five Popes

Type Event Region Europe Time 1415–1417

In 1417 the Council of Constance deposed three rival popes, accepted one's resignation, and elected Martin V, ending the chaos of multiple simultaneo…

Timeline

  1. 1414–1415Constance · Baden-WürttembergThe Western Schism led the Roman and Avignon obediences each to install their own pope, and the Western Christian world simultaneously recognized multiple popes. When the Council of Constance convened, John XXIII, Gregory XII, and Benedict XIII each still claimed papal authority; the notion of 'five popes' reflected the severe fragmentation of church authority.
  2. 1415–1417Constance · Baden-WürttembergInvoking the decree Haec Sancta establishing the authority of the council above the pope, the council successively deposed John XXIII, accepted the resignation of Gregory XII, and finally in 1417 deposed the obstinate Benedict XIII. With the three rival popes removed, the church was finally freed of the absurd situation of multiple simultaneous popes.
  3. 1417Constance · Baden-WürttembergAfter clearing out all schismatic popes, the council on 11 November 1417 elected the Italian cardinal Oddone Colonna as Pope Martin V. The Western Church restored a single papal authority, the 'problem of the five popes' was declared ended, and the most severe schism crisis in medieval church history was resolved.

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