The papal schism lasted from 1378 to 1417 and was a political division in the Catholic Church between Rome and Avignon. It was resolved with the Council of Constance, which deposed both antipopes and elected a new pope, Martin V. The schism was different from the earlier Great Schism, which was motivated by religious differences. […]
Papal bulls are official documents issued by the Pope, covering a range of situations, and are widely discussed. The term comes from the seal used to close the document, and the definition can be difficult to pin down. The Vatican Archives preserve many historical examples, including papal briefs and pontifical memoirs. A papal bull is […]
There have been 264 popes, with John being the most common name. No pope has taken Peter’s name. The first pope was Saint Peter. There have been 21 Pope Johns, and the youngest pope was John XII. Pope Benedict IX was the only pope to serve more than once. There have been 264 official popes […]
