How a Pirate Became the Pope

The video explores the tumultuous period of the Western Schism in the Catholic Church, focusing on the rise and fall of Baldassarre Cossa, a pirate who became Pope John XXIII. It details the chaotic state of the Church with multiple popes, Cossa's strategic maneuvers to gain and maintain power, and his eventual downfall at the Council of Constance. The resolution of the schism and its impact on the Church are also discussed.

What was the main issue faced by the Catholic Church in the early 15th century?

• A lack of priests

• Three popes claiming legitimacy

• A shortage of churches

• A decline in religious followers

What was Baldassarre Cossa's family known for?

• Teaching

• Piracy

• Farming

• Banking

How did Cossa initially gain influence in the Catholic Church?

• By becoming a monk

• Through military conquest

• By becoming a cardinal

• Through marriage alliances

What was the purpose of the Council of Pisa?

• To resolve the issue of multiple popes

• To translate religious texts

• To build new churches

• To elect a new king

Which ruler did Cossa align himself with to strengthen his position?

• King Henry VIII

• Emperor Sigismund

• King Louis XIV

• Emperor Napoleon

What was Cossa's response to being excommunicated by Gregory XII?

• He apologized

• He ignored it

• He publicly burned the order

• He fled the country

What led to Cossa's downfall and arrest?

• His support for the English

• His refusal to attend the Council of Constance

• His betrayal of King Ladislaus

• His alliance with France

What was the outcome of the Council of Constance for Cossa?

• He was exiled to France

• He was deposed and arrested

• He was made a saint

• He was reinstated as pope

Who was elected as the new pope after the Western Schism?

• Pope John XXIII

• Pope Martin V

• Pope Benedict XIII

• Pope Gregory XII

What was a significant consequence of the Western Schism for the Catholic Church?

• A decline in papal authority

• The spread of Protestantism

• Increased unity among Christians

• The construction of new cathedrals