The Western Schism Deepens: The Rise of Pope Alexander V
On June 26, 1409, the crisis known as the Western Schism reached a new and confusing stage when Petros Philargos was crowned Pope Alexander V after the Council of Pisa. The council had attempted to end the division within the Roman Catholic Church by declaring both existing claimantsโthe Roman pope Gregory XII and the Avignon pope Benedict XIIIโto be deposed.
Instead of creating unity, the election of Alexander V created a third papal claimant, leaving the Church with three competing popes: Gregory XII in Rome, Benedict XIII in Avignon, and Alexander V supported by many council members. The dispute weakened the authority of the papacy and highlighted the growing demand for reform within the medieval Church.
Alexander Vโs brief reign lasted less than a year, but the crisis continued until the Council of Constance (1414โ1418) finally resolved the schism and restored a single recognized pope.
