Antipope John XXIII

Not to be confused with Pope John XXIII.

John XXIII (c. 1365 – 22 December 1419^[1]), born Baldassare Cossa, was an antipope during the Western Schism. He served as antipope from 1410 to 1415.

Antipope John XXIII
Papacy began	25 May 1410
Papacy ended	29 May 1415
Predecessor	Antipope Alexander V
Successor	None (Papacy reunified under Pope Martin V)
Orders
Created cardinal	27 February 1402 by Pope Boniface IX
Rank	Cardinal-Deacon
Personal details
Born	Baldassare Cossa c. 1365 Naples, Kingdom of Naples
Died	22 December 1419 Florence, Republic of Florence
Coat of arms

Early life

Baldassare Cossa was born in Naples, Italy, around 1365. He came from a noble family and pursued a career in the church. He studied law at the University of Bologna and later became a cardinal under Pope Boniface IX.^[1][2][3]

Western Schism

The Western Schism (1378–1417) was a period when the Catholic Church was divided, with multiple popes claiming authority. In 1410, after the death of Antipope Alexander V, Baldassare Cossa was elected as pope by a group of cardinals who supported the Pisan line during the schism. He took the name John XXIII.^[1][2][3]

Council of Constance

The schism was causing great division in the church, so in 1414 the Council of Constance was called to end it. John XXIII attended the council but was pressured to resign in 1415 to help reunify the church. After resigning, he was imprisoned for a time by the council.^[1][2][3]

Later life and death

After his resignation, John XXIII was eventually released and spent his remaining years in Florence. He died on 22 December 1419.^[1][2][3]