[Loch-ruadh] Today in history Nov 5 Addendum

[STEVE K ROURKE]

In 1414 the Roman Catholic Council of Constance opened. In 1378 the
Roman Church had split when two Popes had been elected. The Papacy was
now controlled monarchs, divided and discredited. Pope John XXIII was
forced to call the Council of Constance. This council was one of the
greatest assemblies of medieval history. Its aims were the restoration
of unity to the Church, reform in practices and the extirpation of
heresy. The reigning Popes were force to resign, Pope Martin V was
elected and the Church once again was united. That body asserted that a
church Council was superior to a Pope and called for stated meetings of
Councils. In addition the council condemned the heretic John Hus and
ordered his execution.