Pope Boniface IX, Martin V, and Eugene IV – Mary in the Great Western Schism

**Popes:** Boniface IX (1389-1404) | Martin V (1417-1431) | Eugene IV (1431-1447)**Period:** 1389-1447 (Western Schism and Conciliarism)## Boniface IX (1389-1404), nn. 133-136: “Superni benignitas”The Bull *Superni benignitas* (November 9, 1390) by Boniface IX is an extensive document regarding Marian confraternities and their privileges. Notably, this bull from the Schism pope who ruled Rome while the pope of Avignon governed France, produced one of the most rich Marian documents of late 14th century. Numbers 133-136 cover the original bull and three implementing decrees for the Rosary, Scapular, and Immaculate Conception confraternities in various regions of Europe.> *”In honorem et laudem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae, Matris Dei, quae omnibus gratiis plena est, et per quam gratiis abundamus..”*> (To the glory and praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, who is full of all grace, and through whom we abound in grace…)## Martin V (1417-1431): The Pope of ReunionMartin V, elected at the Council of Constance (1417) to end the Great Schism, did not produce specific Marian documents listed with individual numbers in *Doctrina Pontificia IV*, but his pontificate marked the restoration of ecclesiastical unity, which Marian devotion symbolized.## Eugene IV (1431-1447), nn. 137-143Eugene IV faced the Council of Basel (which became a schismatic council) and the legitimate Council of Florence simultaneously. His Marian documents include:– **n. 137 (Council of Basel, 1439):** The definition of the Immaculate Conception by the schismatic council, historically notable but without obligatory dogmatic value (see previous article). – **n. 138, Const. Apost. “Advesperascente” (1439):** Eugene IV’s response to the Basel Schism, reaffirming papal authority over dogmatic definitions. – **nn. 139-140, Bull “Exultate Deo” (November 22, 1439):** A decree of union with Armenian Orthodox, containing a Marian profession of faith. – **nn. 141-143, Bull “Cantate Domino” (February 4, 1441):** A decree of union with Ethiopian Copts, including a profession of faith on Mary’s maternal divinity.## Additional ReadingExplore Mariology, *Ineffabilis Deus*, *Lumen Gentium* Chapter VIII, and Post-Graduate Marian Studies.