Pope Alexander V

The Tumultuous Papacy of Alexander V: A Figure of the Western Schism

Born around 1339 on the island of Candia (modern-day Crete), which was then a Venetian colony, Peter of Candia, also known by his birth name Peter Phillarges, emerged from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in the tumultuous landscape of late medieval Christianity. His intellectual prowess led him to join the Franciscan Order, where he pursued an extensive academic career across various European universities, eventually becoming a respected theologian and lecturer. This background prepared him for a role he would unexpectedly play on the world stage, culminating in his brief and contested reign as Pope Alexander V, a name he adopted upon his election.

The Unraveling of Papal Authority: The Western Schism

Peter of Candia's story is inextricably linked with one of the greatest crises in the history of the Catholic Church: the Western Schism, a period from 1378 to 1417 characterized by multiple rival claimants to the papacy. This unprecedented division not only sowed confusion and doubt among the faithful but also severely undermined the spiritual authority of the Church across Europe. For decades, two, and eventually three, pontiffs simultaneously laid claim to the Chair of Saint Peter, each with their own curia, cardinals, and political backing, plunging the Christian world into profound uncertainty and conflict.

The Council of Pisa and the Election of Alexander V

In an attempt to heal this deep schism, a council was convened in Pisa in 1409. Cardinals from both the Roman obedience (supporting Pope Gregory XII) and the Avignon obedience (supporting Antipope Benedict XIII) gathered, hoping to depose both reigning popes and elect a single, universally recognized successor. However, the legitimacy of this council was questioned by many, as it lacked clear canonical authority to depose popes. Despite these reservations, the Council of Pisa proceeded to declare both Gregory XII and Benedict XIII schismatics, heretics, and perjurers, subsequently electing Peter of Candia as the new pontiff on June 26, 1409. He adopted the name Alexander V, signaling a hopeful new beginning for a unified Church. Tragically, instead of resolving the schism, this controversial act only exacerbated it, resulting in an unprecedented situation where three men now claimed to be the rightful Pope, further dividing an already fractured Christendom.

A Brief and Challenging Reign

Alexander V's papacy was exceptionally brief, lasting less than a year until his death on May 3, 1410. During this short period, he faced immense challenges. He found himself in direct opposition to the Roman Pope Gregory XII, who continued to be recognized by a significant portion of Europe, and the Avignon Antipope Benedict XIII, who also maintained his claim and support base. Alexander V largely operated from Bologna, never reaching Rome, as the Eternal City remained under the control of forces loyal to Gregory XII. His reign was marked by efforts to consolidate his support and navigate the complex political and ecclesiastical landscape, but his premature death prevented him from making a lasting impact on the schism's resolution.

The Historical Reassessment: Alexander V as an Antipope

For centuries, the precise legitimacy of the popes and antipopes during the Western Schism remained a subject of historical and theological debate. However, in the 20th century, the Catholic Church undertook a definitive reinterpretation of this period. This reassessment formally recognized the Roman line of popes as the legitimate succession, thereby extending the reign of Gregory XII until his resignation in 1415, which paved the way for the eventual resolution of the schism at the Council of Constance. Consequently, Peter of Candia, despite his sincere intentions and intellectual stature, is now officially regarded as an antipope, and his title of Alexander V is not included in the official list of legitimate popes. This modern clarification solidified the historical understanding of the period, drawing a clear line between the true pontiffs and those whose claims were, in retrospect, deemed illegitimate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alexander V and the Western Schism

Who was Peter of Candia?

Peter of Candia, also known as Peter Phillarges, was a Franciscan scholar and theologian born around 1339 on the island of Crete. He was elected as a claimant to the papacy by the Council of Pisa in 1409, taking the name Alexander V, during the turbulent period of the Western Schism.

What was the Western Schism?

The Western Schism (1378–1417) was a prolonged division within the Catholic Church where multiple individuals simultaneously claimed to be the legitimate Pope. This crisis significantly undermined the spiritual authority and unity of the Church across Europe.

Why is Alexander V considered an antipope?

Alexander V is considered an antipope because his election by the Council of Pisa in 1409 was later deemed canonically irregular by the Catholic Church. The Church's modern historical reassessment of the Western Schism recognizes the Roman line of popes as legitimate, thereby invalidating the claims of popes elected outside that succession, including Alexander V.

What was the Council of Pisa?

The Council of Pisa was an ecclesiastical council convened in 1409 by cardinals from both Roman and Avignon obediences with the aim of ending the Western Schism. It attempted to depose both existing popes, Gregory XII and Benedict XIII, and elected Alexander V. However, this action backfired, leading to three simultaneous papal claimants rather than resolving the schism.

How long did Alexander V reign?

Alexander V's reign was very brief, lasting from his election on June 26, 1409, until his death on May 3, 1410, a period of less than one year.

Who were Alexander V's rivals?

During his brief pontificate, Alexander V was in opposition to two other claimants to the papacy: Gregory XII, the Roman Pope, and Benedict XIII, the Avignon Antipope. This created the unprecedented situation of having three men simultaneously claiming the papacy.

How did the Catholic Church re-evaluate the Western Schism?

In the 20th century, the Catholic Church officially re-evaluated the Western Schism, recognizing the Roman line of popes as legitimate. This historical reinterpretation extended the reign of Gregory XII until 1415 and confirmed that figures like Alexander V were antipopes, not true pontiffs, thus providing a clearer historical succession for the papacy during that period.