The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · Character
Gregory the Twelfth
Also known as Pope Gregory XII, Angelo Corrario
- Minor
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 303
There's a melancholy dignity in his presence, as if he carries both the weight of tradition and the burden of its fracturing. His bearing suggests a man caught between competing claims to legitimacy, maintaining composure amid circumstances beyond his control.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- adult
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 303
- Books
- 1
Pope Gregory XII, born Angelo Corrario, served during the Western Schism when multiple claimants disputed the papal throne. His obedience was eventually reduced to Rimini alone, reflecting the fragmentation of papal authority during this turbulent period. His eventual renunciation of the title helped pave the way for resolving the schism, though it marked the end of his claim to universal papal authority.
Description
An elderly man with Italian features and white hair, his face lined with age and the stresses of his contested position. He wears the traditional papal vestments, though his bearing reflects the diminished circumstances of a papacy whose authority has been reduced to a single Italian city. His presence maintains the dignity of office while acknowledging the political realities that have constrained his power.
Story so far
BOOK 1The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire / Table of Contents with links in the HTML file to the two Project Gutenberg editions (12 volumes)
Appearances
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