Pope Gregory XII (205º): Western Schism — Complete Guide

Who Was Pope Gregory XII?

Pope Gregory XII — 205º in the Catholic list — reigned 30 November 1406–4 July 1415 during the Renaissance papacy. Search interest often clusters around Western Schism. Citizen of the Republic of Venice. This Guide Catholic profile gathers background, major acts, and legacy so you can read Gregory XII beside neighboring pontiffs.

Early Life & Background

Before election he was known as Angelo Correr. Born circa 1327 Venice, Republic of Venice, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.

Historical Context

Gregory XII (#undefined) sat on Peter's chair amid artistic patronage, political intrigue, Reformation shocks, and the widening world of the Americas. Reigned during the Western Schism. Confirmed the Council of Constance(1415); convinced to abdicate to end the Western Schism.

Pontificate & Key Events

The pontificate (30 November 1406–4 July 1415) centered on governance during the Renaissance papacy.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Acts associated with Gregory XII (#205, 30 November 1406–4 July 1415) still draw historians and Catholics who want more than a one-line summary. His reign remains a link in the succession now counted at 267 popes.

Key Highlights

• 205th pope of the Catholic Church
• Pontificate: 30 November 1406–4 July 1415
• Reigned during the Western Schism.
• Confirmed the Council of Constance(1415); convinced to abdicate to end the Western Schism.
• Last pope to abdicate until Benedict XVI(2013).

Legacy in the Catholic Church

Gregory XII remains pope 205º in the Annuario Pontificio. Set against the Renaissance papacy, Gregory XII's choices show both the limits of any one pontiff and the continuity of the office he held.

Why Catholics Study This Pope Today

Catholics who open a page on Gregory XII usually want more than a birth-death line — they want to know what #205 did inside the Renaissance papacy. Start with the concrete record: Confirmed the Council of Constance(1415); convinced to abdicate to end the Western Schism. Last pope to abdicate until Benedict XVI(2013). Where bulls, conciliar acts, or encyclicals survive from this reign, they repay readers who want primary sources rather than summaries alone. Use the neighboring pontiff links below to test whether Gregory XII's reign looks unique or typical for the Renaissance papacy.

Place in the Line of Succession

Gregory XII followed Pope Innocent VII (204º, 17 October 1404–6 November 1406) after a transition shaped by the politics and piety of their shared century. He was followed by Pope Martin V (206º, 11 November 1417–20 February 1431), whose biography continues the chain on Guide Catholic. For the full chronological map, see our complete list of all 267 popes — then read neighboring biographies for contrast, not only continuity.