Antipope Felix V

antipope 1439 to 1449, count of Savoy

Felix V (born Amadeus VIII of Savoy, 4 September 1383 – 7 January 1451[1]) was an antipope from 1439 to 1449, chosen by the Council of Basel during the Western Schism. He is remembered as the last antipope in church history.


Felix V
Papacy began5 November 1439
Papacy ended7 April 1449
PredecessorPope Eugene IV (disputed)
Orders
Created cardinal23 April 1449
by Pope Nicolas V
RankCardinal-Bishop
Personal details
Birth nameAmadeus VIII of Savoy
Born4 September 1383
Chambéry, County of Savoy
Died7 January 1451
Geneva, Republic of Geneva
Coat of armsFelix V's coat of arms

Early life

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Amadeus was born in Chambéry to the ruling family of the County of Savoy. He became the Count of Savoy in 1391 and later, in 1406, was elevated to the rank of Duke of Savoy.[1][2][3]

Antipope

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During the Western Schism, the Council of Basel opposed the authority of Pope Eugene IV and declared Amadeus as the new pope in 1439. After a long period of hesitation, Amadeus accepted the election and took the name Felix V. However, like other antipopes before him, Felix V did not gain widespread recognition.[1][2][4][3]

Felix V resigned from his position as antipope in 1449, and his resignation helped pave the way for the election of Pope Nicholas V, which eventually ended the schism. Felix V died on 7 January 1451 in Geneva.[1][2][3]

Felix V is remembered as the last antipope in church history.[5]

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church - Biographical Dictionary - Consistory of April 7, 1449". cardinals.fiu.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Amadeus VIII | Italian Renaissance, Savoy Dynasty, Duke of Savoy | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Felix V". Oxford Reference. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  4. Creighton, Mandell (1892). The Council of Basel: The Papal resoration, 1418-1464. Longmans, Green, and Company.
  5. "Antipope | Definition, Examples, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-10-23.