Antipope Benedict XIII

Antipope Benedict XIII, born Pedro de Luna, a Spaniard, was chosen by the French cardinals on the death of Clement VII in 1394. On the death of Urban VI in 1389 the Italian cardinals had chosen Boniface IX; the election of Benedict therefore perpetuated the Papal Schism. The greater portion of the church refused to recognze him, and in 1397 the French church, which had supported him, withdrew from allegiance to both popes, and in 1398 Benedict was imprisoned in his own palace at Avignon. The Council of Constance brought this state of matters to an end. Benedict abdicated in 1417, but was recognised by Scotland and Spain until his death in 1424.

He should not be confused with Pope Benedict XIII, who reigned in the 18th century.