Council of Pisa (1409)

The Council of Pisa closed on August 7, 1409, after months of deliberation aimed at ending the Great Western Schism, a grievous division in which rival popes claimed authority from Rome and Avignon. The schism weakened the church’s public witness, confused the faithful, and exposed how quickly human ambition can eclipse the call to humble service.

Pisa, an influential city in Tuscany, became the gathering place for cardinals who believed extraordinary measures were necessary for peace. Their stated desire was order and unity, yet the crisis revealed that organizational solutions cannot substitute for spiritual renewal. Scripture warns against unity that ignores truth: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). True unity is not manufactured; it is guarded through shared submission to Christ and His Word.

Gregory XII, Benedict XIII, and the Deposition

Gregory XII (Rome) and Benedict XIII (Avignon) each claimed legitimacy, supported by shifting alliances among European rulers and bishops. The council declared both deposed, reasoning that continued rivalry harmed the flock and dishonored the office. Many participants acted with sincere courage, willing to endure criticism for the sake of peace. Yet courage needs purity of heart; zeal can become presumption when it outruns repentance and obedience.

The lesson is sober: even well-meant efforts may falter when leaders cling to power. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

Alexander V and the “Third Obedience”

The council elected Alexander V, hoping to restore a single shepherd and heal division. Instead, neither Gregory nor Benedict yielded, and a third obedience emerged. Later generations judged Alexander V an antipope, a painful reminder that multiplying authorities does not produce spiritual clarity.

Still, amid the confusion, many pastors, scholars, and lay believers longed for holiness, prayed for reform, and sought integrity in doctrine and life. Pisa calls Christians to cultivate humility, to refuse party spirit, and to pursue unity that springs from repentance and faithfulness. “If My people… will humble themselves and pray… then I will hear from heaven” (2 Chronicles 7:14).