The Council of Constance

The Council of Constance, held from 1414 to 1418, was a major church gathering aimed at resolving the Western Schism, a period when multiple claimants to the papacy caused confusion among Christians. It sought to restore unity by deposing or accepting the resignation of problematic popes and electing a new one. The council also addressed issues like church reform and heresy, notably condemning Jan Hus. Ultimately, it successfully ended the schism and reinforced the authority of church councils in making important decisions.