Amadeus VIII, Duke of Savoy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Antipope Felix V
Portrait of antipope Felix V in the Nuremberg Chronicle (1493)
Count of Savoy
Reign	1391–1416
Predecessor	Amadeus VII
Regent	Bonne of Bourbon (1391–1397)
Duke of Savoy
Reign	1416–1440
Successor	Louis I
Regent	Louis I (c. 1434 – 5 February 1440)
Spouse	Mary of Burgundy (m. 1386⁠–⁠1428)
Issue (among others)	Marie Louis I Margaret
House	Savoy
Father	Amadeus VII, Count of Savoy
Mother	Bonne of Berry
Church Catholic Church Papacy began 24 July 1440 Papacy ended 7 April 1449 Predecessor Eugene IV Roman claimant: Opposed to Pope Eugene IV Pope Nicholas V Orders Consecration 24 July 1440 Personal details Born 4 September 1383 Chambéry Died 7 January 1451(1451-01-07) (aged 67) Geneva Coat of arms

Amadeus VIII (born September 4, 1383 – died January 7, 1451) was a powerful ruler. He was known as the Peaceful. Amadeus was the Count of Savoy from 1391 to 1416. Later, he became the Duke of Savoy from 1416 to 1440. He was the son of Amadeus VII, Count of Savoy and Bonne of Berry. For a time, he was also a leader in the Church. From 1439 to 1449, some people recognized him as Felix V, a leader who was not accepted by Popes Eugene IV and Nicholas V.

Becoming a Count and Duke

Amadeus was born in Chambéry on September 4, 1383. He became the Count of Savoy in 1391. This happened after his father, Amadeus VII, passed away. Amadeus was still a boy when he became count.

His grandmother, Bonne de Bourbon, helped rule for him. She was his regent until 1397. A regent is someone who governs a country when the rightful ruler is too young or unable to rule.

Expanding the Savoyard State

During his early rule, Amadeus made his government stronger. He also expanded the lands controlled by the Savoyard state. In 1416, Emperor Sigismund made Amadeus a Duke. This was a higher title, showing his increased power.

In 1418, Amadeus inherited more lands. His distant cousin, Louis of Piedmont, died without a male heir. This meant Amadeus became the main leader of the House of Savoy. This brought all parts of the family's lands together.

Amadeus worked to end the Hundred Years' War. This was a long conflict between England and France. He also fought to regain control of areas around Geneva and Annecy. This happened between 1401 and 1422.

After his wife died in 1428, Amadeus started a special group. It was called the Order of Saint Maurice. He and six other knights lived a quiet life in a castle. This castle was called Ripaille, near Geneva. He then made his son, Louis, the new ruler of the duchy.

Felix V: A Different Kind of Pope

Félix V accepting the authority of Nicholas V, a drawing from the Vigilles de Charles VII (15th century)

Amadeus believed that Church decisions should be made by Ecumenical councils. These are large meetings of Church leaders. He thought these councils should have more power than the Pope alone. This idea was called conciliarism.

He had strong connections with the Council of Basel. This council met from 1431 to 1449. Even when many leaders left to join another council, Amadeus stayed loyal to Basel.

In 1438, the Council of Basel decided to remove Pope Eugene IV. They said he was a heretic, meaning he held beliefs against Church teachings. The Council then needed to choose a new Pope. They wanted someone rich and powerful to protect them.

How Felix V Was Chosen

Since only one cardinal was at the Council, they chose a special group of 33 electors. These electors were from different regions. They met on October 31, 1439, to choose a new Pope.

On November 5, Amadeus received enough votes to be elected. The Council officially announced his election on November 17, 1439.

A group of people went to Amadeus's home at Ripaille. They told him he had been chosen. After much discussion, Amadeus accepted on February 5, 1440. He chose the name Felix V. He promised to follow the rules set by the Council of Basel. He also gave up ruling his lands. His son Louis became the Duke of Savoy.

Felix V's Time as Pope

Felix V helped start a new school in Basel. It was called the "Alma universitas studii curiae Romanae." This school later became the University of Basel in 1460.

In 1442, Felix V moved from Basel to Lausanne. He said it was for his health. This move made the Council of Basel less important.

His time as Pope ended in 1449. After his opponent, Pope Eugene IV, died, both sides wanted to end the disagreement. On April 7, 1449, Felix V agreed to step down. He accepted the authority of Pope Nicholas V.

The Council of Lausanne then elected Nicholas V as Pope. They also gave Amadeus a high rank in the Church. He became a cardinal and a special Church representative in Savoy.

Later Life and Legacy

After giving up his role as Pope, Amadeus was named a cardinal by Pope Nicholas V. This happened on April 7, 1449. He was also made a bishop and a special Church leader in his home region.

Amadeus passed away in Geneva on January 7, 1451. He was buried at Ripaille. Pope Nicholas V wrote a letter praising Amadeus's life and work.

Marriage and Children

Count Amadeus married Mary of Burgundy in 1401. She was the daughter of Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. They had nine children together. Only four of them lived to adulthood:

• Marie (born 1411 – died 1469). She married Filippo Maria Visconti, the Duke of Milan.
• Amadeus of Savoy (born 1412 – died 1431). He was the heir to the duchy but passed away young.
• Louis (born 1413 – died 1465). He became Amadeus's successor as Duke.
• Margaret (born 1420 – died 1479). She married three times to different European rulers.

Images for kids

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  18th century Portrait of Amadeus VIII

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  18th century portrait of antipope Felix V

See also

In Spanish: Amadeo VIII de Saboya para niños