Written by Guide Catholic
Pope Urban VI (202º): Western Schism — Complete Guide
Pontificate: 8 April 1378–15 October 1389 · Origin: Nápoles, Reino de Nápoles · Birth name: Urbanus Sextus
Urban VI was the 202nd pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 8 April 1378–15 October 1389 during the Renaissance papacy. Last pope to be elected outside the College of Cardinals.
Who Was Pope Urban VI?
Pope Urban VI — 202º in the Catholic list — reigned 8 April 1378–15 October 1389 during the Renaissance papacy. Search interest often clusters around Western Schism. Subject of the Kingdom of Naples. This Guide Catholic profile gathers background, major acts, and legacy so you can read Urban VI beside neighboring pontiffs.
Early Life & Background
Before election he was known as Bartolomeo Prignano. Born circa 1318 Naples, Kingdom of Naples, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.
Historical Context
Urban VI (#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.
Pontificate & Key Events
The pontificate (8 April 1378–15 October 1389) centered on governance during the Renaissance papacy.
Papal Acts & Achievements
Acts associated with Urban VI (#202, 8 April 1378–15 October 1389) 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
- 202nd pope of the Catholic Church
- Pontificate: 8 April 1378–15 October 1389
- Last pope to be elected outside the College of Cardinals.
- Reigned during the Western Schism.
Legacy in the Catholic Church
Urban VI remains pope 202º in the Annuario Pontificio. Set against the Renaissance papacy, Urban VI'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 Urban VI on your mental map: 202º successor of Peter, reigning 8 April 1378–15 October 1389, formed by the Renaissance papacy. Start with the concrete record: Last pope to be elected outside the College of Cardinals. Use the neighboring pontiff links below to test whether Urban VI's reign looks unique or typical for the Renaissance papacy.
Place in the Line of Succession
Urban VI followed Pope Gregory XI (201º, 30 December 1370–27 March 1378) after a transition shaped by the politics and piety of their shared century. He was followed by Pope Boniface IX (203º, 2 November 1389–1 October 1404), 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.