Matthew of Kraków facts for kids

Matthew of Kraków (born around 1335 – died March 5, 1410) was an important scholar and priest from the 14th century. He had both German and Polish roots. He was known for his deep thinking and his work as a diplomat, helping kings and popes.

Early Life and Education

Matthew was born in the city of Kraków. His father was a German town-clerk, which is like a city administrator. Matthew went to the famous Charles University in Prague to study. He earned his first degree, a bachelor of arts, in 1355. Just two years later, in 1357, he became a master. Later, he even served as the dean of his faculty at the university for several terms. This means he was a leader in one of the university's departments.

A Scholar and Diplomat

By 1387, Matthew was known as a professor of theology. This means he taught about religious ideas and beliefs. Some records also call him a "city preacher of Prague." Around 1382, he led a special group from his university to meet Urban VI, who was the Pope at the time. Matthew spoke to the Pope about the need for reforms, or improvements, in the church.

In 1395, Matthew was invited to join the teaching staff at the University of Heidelberg. A year later, he became the rector, which is like the president of the university. He also started working closely with powerful leaders. In 1395, he became an advisor to Rupert II, a powerful German prince.

When Rupert's son, Rupert III, became the King of the Romans in 1400, Matthew's career as a statesman really took off. A statesman is someone who is skilled in government and international affairs. The king often sent Matthew on important missions and used his advice.

Working for the King and Pope

In 1403, Matthew traveled to Rome to ask Boniface IX, another Pope, to confirm Rupert's claims to power. The next year, when Innocent VII became Pope, Matthew was there to greet him on behalf of King Rupert. In 1404, Matthew was also made the Bishop of Worms, an important church leader position. He even helped settle a disagreement between the people and the church leaders in that city.

Later, Pope Gregory XII wanted to make Matthew a Cardinal, which is a very high rank in the Catholic Church. But Matthew politely said no. He was also an ambassador for King Rupert at the Council of Pisa. This was a big meeting of church leaders. Matthew strongly supported Gregory XII, believing he was the true Pope. Matthew of Kraków passed away in Pisa.

His Writings

Matthew of Kraków wrote many important books and papers about theology. Besides writing comments on the Bible and sermons, he also wrote about topics important at the time. Some of his most famous works include:

• "De consolatione theologiae" (About the Comfort of Theology)
• "De modo confitendi" (About the Way to Confess)
• "De puritate conscientiae" (About the Purity of Conscience)
• "De corpore Christi" (About the Body of Christ)
• "De celebratione Missae" (About the Celebration of Mass)

He might have also written a book called "De arte moriendi" (The Art of Dying), but we are not completely sure. Another work, "De praxi curiae Romanae" (About the Practices of the Roman Court) or "De squaloribus curiae Romanae" (About the Evils of the Roman Court) from around 1405, is also thought to be his, though some people disagree.