Francesco Zabarella facts for kids
Francesco Zabarella (born August 10, 1360 – died September 26, 1417) was an important Italian cardinal and an expert in church law. He played a big role in trying to fix problems within the Catholic Church during a time when there were multiple popes.
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Becoming a Church Leader
Francesco Zabarella was born in Padua, Italy. He studied law at the universities of Bologna and Florence, finishing his studies in 1385. After that, he taught church law in Florence and then in Padua for many years.
In 1385, he took his first steps into church service. He became a helper for the bishop of Florence and a pastor in a church nearby. Later, in 1398, he became the head priest of the main church in Padua.
The government of Padua often sent him on important trips to other countries. For example, in 1404, he went to King Charles VI of France. He asked the king for help against Venice, which was planning to take over Padua.
When Padua became part of the Venetian Republic in 1406, Zabarella became a loyal supporter of Venice. In 1409, he attended an important church meeting called the Council of Pisa. He was there as an advisor for the Venetian representative.
On July 18, 1410, Pope John XXIII made him the bishop of Florence. Then, on June 6, 1411, he became a Cardinal Deacon. This meant he was a high-ranking church official, even though he never became a priest in the traditional sense.
His Writings and Music Connections
One of Francesco Zabarella's most important books was called De schismate. He wrote parts of it between 1403 and 1408. This book was about how to end the "Great Schism," a time when there were two or even three people claiming to be the true pope. He offered many ideas on how to solve this big problem in the church.
He also wrote several other important books about church law, including:
- Lectura super Clementinis
- Commentarius in libros Decretalium
- Consilia
Interestingly, Zabarella was also connected to music. He was a supporter of a famous composer named Johannes Ciconia. Ciconia even wrote a special song for Zabarella to honor him. This song, called Doctorum Principem/Melodia Suavissima/Vir Mitis, can still be found in an old music book.
Later Career and the Council of Constance
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Even though he wasn't a priest, Francesco Zabarella was one of the most active and important cardinals working with Pope John XXIII. He supported John XXIII's interests at the Council of Rome in 1412–13.
When that council didn't solve the church's problems, John XXIII sent Zabarella and another cardinal to meet with King Sigismund in 1413. They agreed to open a new, very important meeting called the Council of Constance on November 1, 1414.
At the Council of Constance, Zabarella was a main supporter of John XXIII. But when John XXIII ran away in March 1415 to stop the election of a new pope, Zabarella stayed behind as his representative. It was mostly because of Zabarella's efforts that John XXIII finally agreed to give up his claim to the papacy in April 1415.
The Council of Constance continued its work. Zabarella was part of the group of cardinals who told John XXIII that he was no longer pope. He also took part in the council's legal proceedings against other important figures like John Huss and Jerome of Prague. He tried to get them to change their minds, but it didn't work.
Zabarella worked hard to help the council choose a new pope. He passed away on September 26, 1417, before a new pope was finally elected. He is buried in the main cathedral in Padua.
Images for kids
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Consilia, 1490 edition
