004 - Ch 2 The Popes at Avignon Pt 1

In Volume I of the captivating History of the Papacy, Anglican Lord Bishop Mandell Creighton delves into the intricate web of popes, princes, and scholars during the tumultuous era of the Great Schism. He explores the controversial reign of Pope Urban VI, the rise of two rival anti-popes, and the various attempts by the University of Paris, the erratic king of France, and the inebriated Holy Roman Emperor Wenzel to resolve the crisis. The narrative culminates in the dramatic deposition of Pope John XIII, who famously fled the Council of Constance disguised as a groom. This volume presents a gripping account of power struggles, political intrigue, and the eventual resolution of a pivotal moment in church history. (Summary by Pamela Nagami, M.D.)