Gregory XII Biography

Appointed Pope

After the Roman Pope Innocent VII died in 1406, the newly elected Roman Pope, Gregory XII, started negotiations with Benedict, suggesting that they both resign so a new Pope could be elected to reunite the Catholic Church. When these talks ended in stalemate in 1408, the French king, Charles VI, declared that France was neutral to both papal contenders

Charles VI helped to organise the Council of Pisa in 1409. This council was supposed to arrange for both Gregory and Benedict to resign, so that a new universally recognised Pope could be elected. However, since both Benedict and Gregory refused to abdicate, the only thing that was achieved was that a third candidate to the Holy See was put forward: Peter Philarghi, who assumed the name Alexander V

Charles VI helped to organise the Council of Pisa in 1409. This council was supposed to arrange for both Gregory and Benedict to resign, so that a new universally recognised Pope could be elected. However, since both Benedict and Gregory refused to abdicate, the only thing that was achieved was that a third candidate to the Holy See was put forward: Peter Philarghi, who assumed the name Alexander V

The Council of Constance was convened on 30 October 1413. During the third session, rival Pope Gregory XII authorized the council as well. The council resolved that all three popes should abdicate and a new Pope be elected

The Council of Constance was convened by Pisan Pope John XXIII in 1414 at Constance to resolve the Western Schism. This is endorsed by Gregory XII, Innocent VII's successor in Rome, thus ensuring the legitimacy of any election

The Council of Constance was convened on 30 October 1413. During the third session, rival Pope Gregory XII authorized the council as well. The council resolved that all three popes should abdicate and a new Pope be elected

The Council of Constance secures the resignations of John XXIII and Gregory XII while excommunicating the claimant who refused to step down, Benedict XIII

The Council of Constance secures the resignations of John XXIII and Gregory XII while excommunicating the claimant who refused to step down, Benedict XIII