Papacy

Gregory XII, Pope 1406-1415

Muntoni 1; Berman 253, PCGS graded XF-40

Rome. GREGORI-VS PP XII, Pope Gregory XII enthroned facing, raising hand in benediction and holding cruciform scepter. Reverse: + SAnCTVS (crossed keys) PETRVS S P Q R, crossed keys, star above.

On November 30, 1406, Angelo Corraro was elected as Pope Gregory XII by a conclave of only 15 cardinals in order to oppose the French-dominated Antipope Benedict XIII at Avignon. He was raised to power on the condition that if Benedict XIII renounced his claim to the papacy so would Gregory XII so that a new election could be made and the Western Schism brought to an end. However, Gregory XII was not so interested in setting down his power and did his best to avoid a successful negotiated end to the schism. Thus, in 1409 the Council of Pisa condemned and deposed Gregory XII and Benedict XIII and elected Alexander V as pope. Nevertheless, Gregory XII did not officially resign until July 4, 1415. The period of Gregory XII was truly one of the most chaotic in the history of the Papacy.