Boniface IX, Martin V, and Eugene IV – Mary in the Great Western Schism
The pontificates of Boniface IX (1389-1404), Martin V (1417-1431), and Eugene IV (1431-1447) span the most turbulent period in the medieval history of the Church: the Great Western Schism (1378-1417), with two and at times three simultaneous popes, and the conciliarist controversy. In this context of crisis, the Marian documents reveal how devotion to Mary was a guiding thread of ecclesial unity.
| Collection | Doctrina Pontificia IV: Marian Documents, nn. 133-143 |
| 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) of Boniface IX is an extensive document on the Marian confraternities and their privileges. It is notable that the pope of the Schism, who governed Rome while the pope of Avignon governed France, produced one of the richest Marian documents of the late fourteenth century. The four numbers (133-136) cover the original bull and three decrees of application concerning the confraternities of the Rosary, of the Scapular, and of the Immaculate Conception in the various regions of Europe.
«In honorem et laudem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae, Matris Dei, quae omnibus gratiis plena est, et per quam gratiis abundamus..».
In honor and praise of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God, who is full of all graces, and through whom we abound in graces…
Martin V (1417-1431): the pope of reunification
Martin V, elected at the Council of Constance (1417) to put an end to the Great Schism, did not produce specific Marian documents listed with a number of their own in Doctrina Pontificia IV, but his pontificate was that of the restoration of ecclesiastical unity, of which Marian devotion was a sign.
Eugene IV (1431-1447), nn. 137-143
Eugene IV confronted the Council of Basel (which ended up becoming schismatic) and the Council of Florence (the legitimate ecumenical one) at the same time. His Marian documents include:
- n. 137 (Council of Basel, 1439): The definition of the Immaculate Conception by the schismatic council, historically notable but without binding dogmatic value (see the previous post)
- n. 138, Apost. Const. “Advesperascente” (1439): Eugene IV’s response to the Basel schism, reaffirming pontifical authority over dogmatic definitions
- nn. 139-140, Bull “Exultate Deo” (November 22, 1439): Decree of union with the Armenian Orthodox, containing a Marian profession of faith
- nn. 141-143, Bull “Cantate Domino” (February 4, 1441): Decree of union with the Ethiopian Copts, with a profession of faith on the divine motherhood of Mary
Further reading
Explore Mariology, Ineffabilis Deus, Lumen Gentium, ch. VIII, and the Postgraduate Program in Mariology.
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