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Crisis in the Late Medieval Church

Attempts at Resolution

The first and most obvious was to wait for one rival to die--to let God choose. But this was not a case so much of rival popes as of rival factions. The Great Schism was the result of a split within the College of Cardinals, and so long as those two factions remained strong, there was really no hope of resolution.

Therefore, when Urban VI died in 1389, the Italian cardinals immediately elected Boniface IX, and the Schism went on. When Clement VII died in 1394, the French cardinals elected Benedict XIII and the Avignonese papacy persisted. In Rome, Boniface IX was succeeded by Innocent VII (1404-1406) and then by Gregory XII (1406-1415). It was soon clear enough that God was not going to resolve the Schism.

A second course was proposed, fairly early, and continued to have favor in some circles: both popes would voluntarily resign, clearing the way for the election of a compromise candidate. At one time or another, the rival popes even agreed to this arrangement, but then the difficult matter of timing arose. Neither would be the first to resign, so both had to resign together. But agreed dates came and went, no rival could be induced to meet in the same city with the other, and this course, too, seemed to be barren of results.

Some began to argue that the whole Church together might have authority to judge in this matter, and that a Council might represent the Church and choose a pope. It had long been recognized that a general council could speak on matters of faith, but never had it been suggested that a council might choose a pope. As the Schism dragged on, though, pressure for a General Council grew.

By the early 1400s, even cardinals were urging this last course, but one great problem remained: only a pope could call a General Council.