Martin V (1368-1431) was elected pope in 1417. His election at the Council of Constance ended the Great Schism that had divided the papacy since 1378 (see Roman Catholic Church (The Great Schism)).
Martin labored to restore order to the church. Although he placed many of his relatives in positions of authority, he did attempt to reform some of the worst abuses within the church. Martin also arranged concordats (agreements) with Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and England. According to a decree of the Council of Constance, Martin had to call councils regularly. He convened a council at Pavia, Italy, in 1423 and another at Basel, Switzerland, in 1431. Radical reformers eventually took over the Basel council, but Martin died shortly before it met for the first time.
Martin’s given and family name was Oddo (also spelled Oddone) Colonna. He was born into a famous and powerful family in Rome. He died on Feb. 20, 1431.
