We continue our course on the History of the Popes, now looking to the popes during and immediately after the Western Schism. In this class, we watched a couple videos: on how a papal election works (following the recent death of Pope Francis); and two on the history of the Western Schism.
How a papal conclave works [here]!
On the history of the Western Schism [here]! This video is not perfect and does have some anti-medieval bias, but gives a quick overview.
On the theological problems present at the end of the Western Schism [here]!
Listen to the lecture online [here]!
The History of the Popes
The Good, the Bad, and the Phony
Session 6, The Popes of the Western Schism
You are Peter, and upon this Rock I will build my Church. (Matthew 16:18)
I. Course Outline
[Introduction to the Papacy, The time of persecution, The early Middle Ages, The Holy Roman Empire, The late Middle Ages]
April 22 – The Popes of the Western Schism
April 29 – The Popes of the Modern Period and Protestant Reformation
May 6 – The Popes of Recent Days
I. Recent news of the death of Pope Francis, and looking forward to the next papal conclave.
[Video on what happens when a Pope dies]
A look at some of the Papabili for the May 2025 conclave.
II. Popes of the Western Schism
Urban VI: Pope from 1378-1389. He is the last non-cardinal to have been elected pope. As there was much unrest following the return of the Papacy to Rome from Avignon, the Western Schism began after his death. #202
[Watch video on the history of the Western Schism]
Interregnum, 2 years 136 days, 1415-1417. The Council of Constance (1414-1418) sought to bring about an end to the Western Schism by calling for all three popes “papal claimants” to abdicate. However, only Gregory XII (the true Roman Pope) did resign. John XXIII (the Pisan Pope) was deposed by the council, and Benedict XIII (Avignon Pope) was excommunicated. This created the opportunity for the election of Pope Martin V, which brought about an end to the Schism.
III. Popes after the Western Schism
Martin V: Pope from 1417-1431. Council of Basil, end of schism, question of pope or council as supreme. Problems would later lead to Protestant revolt. Overview of Council of Basil which moves to Ferrara and then to Florence, under later popes. An interesting note about the numbering of popes Martin - Martin IV in 1281 was really only the second by that name, but there was confusion about Popes Marinus I and Marinus II, who were mistakenly thought to be Martin II and Martin III. Therefore, there is a Martin I and then a jump straight to Martin IV and Martin V. #206
[Video on the Council of Florence]
Sixtus IV: Pope from 1471-1484. Commissioned the Sistine Chapel, started the Vatican Archives, authorized the Spanish Inquisition, important for the arts and early Renaissance. Good example of mixed heritage of the popes of this period. #212
Alexander VI: Pope from 1492-1500. One of the most controversial bad popes - illegitimate children, Borgia Pope. However, he also did good things, promoting devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was significant for the Americas with the controversial division of the New World. #214
IV. Looking forward: The Modern Period (and Protestantism)
Julius II: Pope from 1503-1531.
Leo X: Pope from 1513-1521.
St Pius V: Pope from 1566-1572.
Urban VII: Pope in 1590.
Urban VIII: Pope from 1623-1644.
Clement XIV: Pope from 1769-1774.
