Council of Basel Suspends Pope Eugene IV
January 24th, 1438
January 24th, 1438
How Long Ago?
587 years, 1 month, 19 days ago
Location
Basel, Switzerland
Category
Religion & Philosophy
People
- Eugene IV
- Cardinal Giuliano Cesarini
- John of Segovia
- Cardinal Amico Agni
Links & References
Tags
Council of Basel Suspends Pope Eugene IV
The Council of Basel convened to address various church issues and declared Pope Eugene IV's policies and actions as unconstitutional, leading to his suspension from the papacy. This was a pivotal moment demonstrating the increasing authority of church councils over papal decisions, marking a significant shift in the balance of power within the Catholic Church.
Council of Basel claimed authority over papacy.
Pope Eugene IV attempted to dissolve the council.
Tensions rose over church governance and reforms.
Suspension marked a shift in church power dynamics.
What Happened?
The Council of Basel, initiated in 1431, was aimed at addressing the ecclesiastical and moral crises within the Catholic Church, including the need for reform and the management of the schism. This council gathered cardinals, bishops, and theologians from across Europe, creating a platform for ecclesiastical governance that challenged the authority of the papacy. Tensions between the council and Pope Eugene IV grew as the pope sought to centralize power, while the council aimed for broader representation and reforms. By January 1438, after a series of escalating confrontations over authority and governance, the council took the unprecedented step of suspending Pope Eugene IV for disregarding its decisions and attempting to dissolve it. This pivotal act underscored the ongoing struggle for power within the church and was fueled by the desire of many church leaders to assert their influence against what they perceived as papal overreach. The suspension was largely supported by secular leaders and factions within the church who felt sidelined by the papacy’s centralization efforts.
Why Does it Matter?
The suspension of Pope Eugene IV by the Council of Basel is significant as it marked a critical moment in the ongoing tension between papal authority and church councils. This incident prompted discussions about church governance and reform that would reverberate through the following decades, influencing the Protestant Reformation. It also reflected the growing desire among clergy and secular authorities to challenge the papacy’s dominance, setting precedents for future councils and discussions about ecclesiastical structures that would shape the trajectory of Christianity.
Discover More Historic Events from January 24th
Larry Nassar Receives 175-Year Sentence
Larry Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics doctor, was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing over 150 young female athletes. The sentencing took place in Michigan, where emotional statements from victims detailed the long-term trauma caused by Nassar's actions, which spanned nearly two decades. His position granted him unsupervised access to these athletes, allowing him to exploit their trust and vulnerability. The lengthy prison term aims to serve justice and give a voice to the victims, marking an important moment in the movement against sexual abuse in sports.
Continue ReadingDeadly Bombing at Domodedovo Airport in Moscow
A suicide bomber detonated explosives in the arrivals hall of Moscow's Domodedovo Airport, leading to at least 35 fatalities and injuring around 180 individuals. The attack intensified concerns over security and terrorism in Russia, particularly given the possibility of links to extremist groups in the Caucasus region. This tragic incident drew widespread condemnation and heightened the sense of vulnerability in a major transportation hub.
Continue ReadingCyclone Klaus Strikes Bordeaux, France
Cyclone Klaus made landfall near Bordeaux, France, unleashing powerful winds and torrential rain that led to 26 confirmed deaths. The storm disrupted public transport and severely impacted power supplies across the region. Emergency services responded to numerous calls for assistance as trees were uprooted, vehicles were damaged, and infrastructure faced significant challenges. The cyclone was part of a larger weather pattern affecting Southern Europe, illustrating the increasing frequency of severe weather events attributed to changing climate conditions.
Continue ReadingDHS Commences Official Operations
The United States Department of Homeland Security, tasked with enhancing the nation's security and coordinating counter-terrorism efforts, officially began operations in January 2003. Created in response to the September 11 attacks, this new department consolidated numerous federal agencies to protect the country more effectively. With a budget of over $40 billion, DHS's formation marked a significant shift in U.S. security policy, aiming to prevent future attacks and improve response to disasters and emergencies.
Continue ReadingJapan's First Lunar Probe Launched
Japan launched Hiten, its first lunar probe, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. This mission represented Japan's entry into lunar research, emphasized the advancements in robotic spacecraft technology, and came 14 years after the last lunar probe by the Soviet Union. Hiten was designed to orbit the moon and study its surface, contributing to a deeper understanding of lunar science. Notably, this mission made Japan the first country other than the United States or the Soviet Union to send a robotic spacecraft to the moon, showcasing its growing capabilities in space technology.
Continue ReadingTed Bundy Executed by Electric Chair
Ted Bundy, a notorious American serial killer, was executed in the electric chair at the Florida State Prison. Bundy was convicted of the murders of over 30 young women during the 1970s, and his criminal exploits garnered extensive media attention. His execution followed years of appeals and public outcry surrounding his crimes. The event marked a controversial moment in American criminal justice, highlighting the debates over the death penalty and the societal impact of violent crime.
Continue Reading