Martin V

(1368–1431)

   Pope.

   Martin was born Otto Colonna. He was elected Pope at the Council of Constance in 1417 in an attempt to heal the Great Schism. Gregory XII had abdicated in 1416; John XXIII had been deposed the same year and Benedict XIII was deposed in 1417. The last possible claimant, Clement VIII finally submitted in 1429. Martin himself entered Rome in 1420 and during his reign he did much to restore the city. He is remembered for strengthening the power of the Papacy and for re-establishing its influence after the disastrous years of the Great Schism.

   J.N.D. Kelly (ed.), The Oxford Dictionary of Popes (1986);

   P. Partner, The Papal State under Martin V (1958).