Subtraction of obedience

In 1394, there is already more than 15 years that two rival popes find themselves with the head of the Chrétienté. One of them, Boniface IX, seat with Rome and in support of Italy of north, of England, of Germany, of Poland and Hungary. In the camp of Benoit XIII, pope of Avignon, line up France, Castille, Aragon, Portugal, Scotland, Savoy and the kingdom of Cyprus.

This year there, Philippe Bold the, which regent France since the king Charles VI became insane, request with the Université of Paris to present a report/ratio to him on the means of putting an end to the schism. After several months of deliberations, the University presents three solutions: the way of compromise (to leave to the pontiffs the care to put an end themselves to the schism), the way of transfer (it is necessary to make them dislocate simultaneously and elect some another) or the meeting of a council the purpose of which would be to solve the problem.

In February 1395, the Council of the king supports the principle of a step for the way of transfer. However, neither Benoît XIII nor Boniface IX agrees to be dislocated. One then decides to oblige them by having recourse to a subtraction of obedience . In 1398, a national council of the bishops held in Paris votes an ordinance withdrawing with the pope the ecclesiastical benefit and taxes which will not be versed any more in Avignon but to king de France. In other words, the Church of France will control itself and it is the king who will legislate. Only the spiritual authority is recognized with the pope of Avignon. France is imitated soon by Sicily, Castille and Navarre.

Heading, Benoît XIII refuses to fold, even if the funds do not return any more. Besieged in its citadel during several months by local enemies, he manages to flee in 1403 and takes refuge in the count of Provence, Louis II of Anjou, which was opposed since the beginning with the soustracton of obedience .

The subtraction of obedience is finally a failure. Several bishops start to complain, especially when the French government starts to tax the incomes with the churches. The April 29th 1403, the Castille restores its obedience with the pope. France follows the May 28th. One returns from there to the diplomatic negociations which will not give any result, the pontiffs of Rome and Avignon always camping on their positions.

In 1407, the University of Paris, with the support of the duke of Burgundy and the Parliament of Paris, decides by itself a news subtraction of obedience which will not give more result than the first time.

Source: Favier, Jean. the War of Hundred-Years . Beech. 1980.

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