Written by Guide Catholic
Pope Martin V (206º): Western Schism — Complete Guide
Pontificate: 11 November 1417–20 February 1431 · Origin: Genazzano, Estados Papais · Birth name: Martinus Quintus
Martin V was the 206th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 11 November 1417–20 February 1431 during the Renaissance papacy. Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.
Who Was Pope Martin V?
Martin V holds the 206º place among Roman pontiffs, with a recorded reign of 11 November 1417–20 February 1431 inside the Renaissance papacy. Search interest often clusters around Western Schism. Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States. What follows is a structured biography — early life, context, acts, and succession — written for Catholics who want Martin V in context.
Early Life & Background
Before election he was known as Oddone Colonna. Born January–February 1369 Genazzano, Papal States, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.
Historical Context
Martin V (#undefined) sat on Peter's chair amid artistic patronage, political intrigue, Reformation shocks, and the widening world of the Americas. His election effectively ended the Western Schism. Convened the Council of Basel(1431); initiated the Hussite Wars.
Pontificate & Key Events
The pontificate (11 November 1417 –20 February 1431) centered on governance during the Renaissance papacy.
Papal Acts & Achievements
Acts associated with Martin V (#206, 11 November 1417–20 February 1431) 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
- 206th pope of the Catholic Church
- Pontificate: 11 November 1417–20 February 1431
- His election effectively ended the Western Schism.
- Convened the Council of Basel(1431); initiated the Hussite Wars.
Legacy in the Catholic Church
Martin V remains pope 206º in the Annuario Pontificio. Set against the Renaissance papacy, Martin V's choices show both the limits of any one pontiff and the continuity of the office he held.
Why Catholics Study This Pope Today
Place Martin V on your mental map: 206º successor of Peter, reigning 11 November 1417–20 February 1431, formed by the Renaissance papacy. Start with the concrete record: Convened the Council of Basel(1431); initiated the Hussite Wars. Where bulls, conciliar acts, or encyclicals survive from this reign, they repay readers who want primary sources rather than summaries alone. Compare Martin V with the biographies of his predecessor and successor linked below to see reform, rupture, or quiet continuity.
Place in the Line of Succession
Martin V followed Pope Gregory XII (205º, 30 November 1406–4 July 1415) after a transition shaped by the politics and piety of their shared century. He was followed by Pope Eugene IV (207º, 3 March 1431–23 February 1447), 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.