Book contents
- The Great Western Schism, 1378–1417
- The Great Western Schism, 1378–1417
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Illustrations
- Maps
- Tables
- Acknowledgments
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- 1 The Great Western Schism
- 2 Performing the Papacy, Performing the Schism
- 3 Images and Responses
- 4 Conflicting Legitimacy
- 5 Finding Unity in Liturgy
- 6 Rome during the Schism
- 7 Avignon during the Schism
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index
5 - Finding Unity in Liturgy
Papal Funerals and the Political Theology of the Pope’s One Body
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 March 2022
- The Great Western Schism, 1378–1417
- The Great Western Schism, 1378–1417
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Illustrations
- Maps
- Tables
- Acknowledgments
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- 1 The Great Western Schism
- 2 Performing the Papacy, Performing the Schism
- 3 Images and Responses
- 4 Conflicting Legitimacy
- 5 Finding Unity in Liturgy
- 6 Rome during the Schism
- 7 Avignon during the Schism
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index
Summary
Because of his exceptional position in medieval society, the death of a pope initiated a series of rites that transcended the scope of ordinary religious customs. During the period of an empty or vacant see (sede vacante), rites were performed simultaneously to emphasize both temporal legislation and sacred liturgy.1 Funerary activities at the papal court blended the sacred and the profane, with the performance of innumerable masses for the repose of the deceased pontiff’s soul and as his ecclesiastical goods were safeguarded from plunder. This chapter will examine whether the specific historical context of the Great Western Schism affected in any way the usual protocol of the sede vacante.
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- Information
- The Great Western Schism, 1378–1417 , pp. 187 - 230Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2022