Roman Catholic Antipope. Born Petros Philarges on the island of Crete, he entered the Franciscan order at a young age. While he was studying in Paris, France the Roman Catholic Church split, known as the Great Schism, which resulted in two Popes. In 1405 Petros was created Cardinal by Pope Innocent VII and spent the majority of his time campaigning for the re-unification of the church. In 1409 the Council of Pisa was held and they elected Petros as Pope Alexander V, deposing the rival Popes Gregory XII and Benedict XIII. Neither Gregory nor Benedict would step down so the election of Alexander V created three popes. Alexander V was Pope for ten months, during which he received wider support than either of his two rivals and had a good claim to be the legitimate Pope. He died suddenly while he was in Bologna, Italy. It is still a matter of debate as to whether Alexander V was a pope or an antipope, but he is not recognized by the Vatican as a pope.
Roman Catholic Antipope. Born Petros Philarges on the island of Crete, he entered the Franciscan order at a young age. While he was studying in Paris, France the Roman Catholic Church split, known as the Great Schism, which resulted in two Popes. In 1405 Petros was created Cardinal by Pope Innocent VII and spent the majority of his time campaigning for the re-unification of the church. In 1409 the Council of Pisa was held and they elected Petros as Pope Alexander V, deposing the rival Popes Gregory XII and Benedict XIII. Neither Gregory nor Benedict would step down so the election of Alexander V created three popes. Alexander V was Pope for ten months, during which he received wider support than either of his two rivals and had a good claim to be the legitimate Pope. He died suddenly while he was in Bologna, Italy. It is still a matter of debate as to whether Alexander V was a pope or an antipope, but he is not recognized by the Vatican as a pope.
Bio by: Bunny Boiler
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