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Introduction: Council of Pisa 1409
Council of Pisa 1409: Family relatives meet and discuss what they would do to ensure peace. They, however, find themselves parting with all the more difference. Such was the case when the Council of Pisa met in A. D. 1409. Now, this historic church convention was intended to pave the way for resolution of the Great Schism that existed within the Catholic Church, where two popes posed as the true leader of all Christ’s followers. Instead, a third pope added to the original two, thus achieving a historic first.
The article will walk a path through controversial events leading to the council, their key moments, and the eventual collapse of a much-expected success. History buffs or simply those curious about one of the more dramatic chapters in church histories will find this of great interest: right into the heart of 15th-century Europe.
1. Background: The Great Schism
The Great Schism began in 1378 when two conniving popes, one in Rome and the other in Avignon, laid claim to the same office as the head of the One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church. The issue wasn’t theological only; it had a strong political tinge, for different European kingdoms had taken sides and with them went the spiritual tug-of-war which tore the continent for decades.
At that time, religion was not just a personal thing but very much linked to politics, to diplomacy, and to daily life. So two popes would have been analogous to two captains at the wheel of the same ship but with opposing currents.
2. Why the Council of Pisa 1409 Was Called
Council of Pisa 1409: By 1409, the credibility of the church was disintegrating. Both popes—Pope Gregory XII in Rome and Pope Benedict XIII in Avignon—refused to resign. The faithful were left bewildered, authorities were restless, and the hope for harmony seemed distant.
A segment of cardinals from both camps decided that this was enough. They organized a council to put an end to the schism once and for all, thinking that they had the right to do so even without the permission of the popes.
3. Who Initiated the Council?
Interestingly, the cardinals themselves initiated it. They proceeded without explicit papal authorization, which was daring—some would even call it insubordination.
These cardinals believed strongly that conciliarism—the idea that a council of representatives could hold authority surpassing that of the pope—was the way forward. This notion would eventually be a hotly debated subject within church circles.
4. The City of Pisa: A Strategic Position
Pisa was the preferred site for several reasons:
- Neutrality ground – It wasn’t under either pope’s control directly.
- Accessibility – Located in Italy, it was within reach of European envoys.
- Prestige – Pisa was a wealthy sea republic with resources to host such an event.
The city prepared for the visit of clergy, envoys, and observers from all Christendom.
5. The Opening of the Council
Council of Pisa 1409: The Council of Pisa began on March 25, 1409, in the great cathedral of Pisa. People came from all over Europe—more than 500 bishops, abbots, and other church officials. Even secular leaders sent representatives.
The mood was strained but optimistic. Many of them felt this was the time when finally they could bring unity back.
6. The Deposition of the Two Popes
One of the most daring actions of the council was both current popes declared to be heretics and schismatics. They were formally deposed:
- Pope Gregory XII – Charged with corruption and obstinacy.
- Pope Benedict XIII – Charged with being a divider and not trustworthy.
This was new—never had a council deposed two sitting popes without their agreement.
7. Election of a New Pope: Alexander V
Then, after having deposed both of these popes, the council proceeded to elect a new one—Peter of Candia, who became known as Alexander V.
This initially appeared to be a triumph. Alexander V was regarded as a scholar and humility personified. But neither of the other two popes accepted the choice. There were now three instead of one pope.
8. Why the Council Failed
The failure reduced to one principal fact: Neither Gregory XII nor Benedict XIII abdicated. They each retained their followers, so the division of the church grew.
That is to say, the council’s remedy proved a worse malady. The Great Schism, far from ending, had entered an even more complex phase.
9. Effects on the Catholic Church
The failure of the council had various effects
- Loss of credibility – The people started doubting the capacity of the church to rule itself.
- Weakened papal authority – If a council could remove popes, what did that leave for papal supremacy?
- The rise of conciliarism— the idea that a church council could supersede the authority of the pope—gained significant traction among church leaders.
10. Political Reactions Across Europe
The response was varied:
- France and much of Italy embraced Alexander V as pope.
- Spain, Scotland, and certain German states remained loyal to Benedict XIII.
- England, along with the Italian states, supported Gregory XII in their allegiance.
This haphazard map of loyalties created unity impossible.
11. Role of Key Figures in the Council
Certain prominent figures were:
- Cardinal Baldassare Cossa – One of the prime movers of the council, afterward Pope John XXIII (the Pisan pope).
- Peter of Candia (Alexander V) – The council’s elected pope, whose brief reign was marked by opposition.
- Gregory XII & Benedict XIII – The intransigent incumbents who would not resign.
12. The Short Papacy of Alexander V
Alexander V’s papacy was under a year. He died in 1410, perhaps poisoned, although historians continue to argue this point. His death cast the church into another bout of instability, with Baldassare Cossa assuming the papal title as John XXIII (not to be confused with the pope of the same name in the 20th century).
13. Legacy of the Council of Pisa
The council is a recalled well-meaning but disastrous exercise in reform. It revealed both the strengths and limitations inherent in church councils.
Finally, the schism would not be resolved until years afterwards, at the Council of Constance (1414–1418), which successfully united under Pope Martin V.
14. Lessons Learned from the Council
- Good intentions aren’t enough – Without the agreement of all involved, reconciliation cannot be achieved.
- Leadership does count – The obstinacy of the popes played a significant role in the failure of the council.
- Unity is sacrificed – Nobody was ready to take a step back for the common good.
15. Conclusion: Council of Pisa 1409
The Council of Pisa 1409 was a risky and ambitious effort to mend a fractured church. It brought together leaders from all over Europe, made momentous decisions, and proved to the world that even mighty popes could be opposed. But ultimately, it is a lesson in how sometimes attempting to fix something without everyone’s cooperation makes things worse.
FAQs About Council of Pisa 1409
1. What was the primary aim of the Council of Pisa 1409?
Its primary objective was to bring an end to the Great Schism by removing both competing popes and choosing a new one.
2. Who became pope at the Council of Pisa?
The conclave elected Peter of Candia, who took the name Alexander V, to serve as the new pope.
3. Why did the Council of Pisa fail?
It failed because the two papal claimants refused to resign, and hence there were three popes instead of one.
4. What impact did the Council of Pisa have on the Catholic Church?
It undermined papal power, promoted conciliarism, and further fragmented the church.
5. When did the Great Schism ultimately cease?
It was brought to an end in 1417 at the Council of Constance, where Pope Martin V was elected as the one and only head of the Catholic Church.