Hello and welcome to the History of the Germans, Episode 167, the Great Western Schism, Part 2, which is also episode 4 of Season 9, the Reformation before the Reformation.

When the Great Western Schism was finally resolved at Pisa and Constance, Christendom

rejoiced.

Oh, so we've been told.

But was it really such a devastating, catastrophic event that left the papacy mortally wounded,

so impaired that it crumbled when next the power of the Pope to bind and to loosen was questioned?

Or was it just an affair?

A temporary misunderstanding created by some drafting error in canon law that prevented the removal of an incapacitated Pope?

Methinks that is worth investigating, even if it means diving deep into theology and canon law.

But do not worry, we'll also do a spot of fiscal policy just to lighten things up a bit.

Before we start, let me remind you that the history of the Germans is advertising free thanks to the generosity of our patrons.

And you can become a patron too, either by signing up on patreon.com slash history of the Germans,

or on History of the Germans.com slash support.

And thanks so much to David W.

Stephen M. Kira V.

H.

Marcos C. Stephen and Annelise, who've already taken the plunge.

And with that, back to the show.

Now last week we looked at the sequence of events that made up the Western schism up until, and including

the Council of Pisa in 1409.

But that is the same as looking at a bunch of revelists dancing on a suspension bridge.

Yes, checking out their crazy moves and wild antics is entertaining, but the true story takes

...