Eugene IV (1383-1447) was elected pope in 1431. His troubled reign was marked by a long struggle with the Council of Basel (1431-1449) over whether the pope or church councils held supreme authority in the church. In 1434, civil disturbances in Rome forced Eugene to flee to Florence. But settlement with his enemies permitted him to return to Rome in 1443. Eugene’s stubborn defense of papal privileges prevailed over the supporters of the council’s movement, reaffirming the pope’s authority as head of the church. Eugene also enhanced papal prestige with his temporary success at reunification with several Eastern churches, including the Greek Orthodox Church. Reunification with it began at the Council of Ferrara-Florence in 1438.
Eugene was born in Venice, where he lived as a monk in his youth. His given and family name was Gabriel Condulmaro. He won admiration for his simple, pious personal life. He died on Feb. 23, 1447.
