This week in Christian history: Battle of Avarayr, John Calvin dies, Antipope deposed

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, May 26, 2024

Antipope John XXIII deposed – May 29, 1415

A 15th century depiction of Baldassare Cossa (1370-1419), a cardinal who ruled as Pope John XXIII for five years before being deposed in 1415 and labeled an 'antipope,' thus vacating the papal name and allowing a later pontiff to adopt it. — A 15th century depiction of Baldassare Cossa (1370-1419), a cardinal who ruled as Pope John XXIII for five years before being deposed in 1415 and labeled an "antipope," thus vacating the papal name and allowing a later pontiff to adopt it. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when 15th century Pope John XXIII was labeled an antipope and formally deposed from his position as head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Cardinal Baldassare Cossa, a native of modern-day Italy, was elected pontiff in 1410 amid a time of schism within the Western Church and, upon being consecrated, took the name of John XXIII.

During his five-year reign, divisions within the Church eventually led to him being forced to renounce his claim to the papacy, with him also facing credible allegations of corruption.

“Undeniably secular and ambitious, his moral life was not above reproach, and his unscrupulous methods in no wise accorded with the requirements of his high office,” explained New Advent.

“On the other hand, the heinous crimes of which his opponents in the council accused him were certainly gravely exaggerated. After his abdication he was again known as Baldassare Cossa.”

As a result of his being labeled an antipope, the papal name “John XXIII” became vacant, thus later allowing Angelo Roncalli to take the name over 500 years later when he became pope.