AD 1431–1445

Council of Basel–Ferrara–Florence

Conciliarism, and a final attempt at union with the East as Constantinople faced Ottoman conquest.

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Location
Basel, then Ferrara and Florence
Leaders
Pope Eugene IV; Emperor John VIII Palaiologos; Bessarion and Mark of Ephesus for the Greeks
Issues discussed
  • The Filioque, purgatory, papal primacy and the Eucharistic bread
Decisions made
  • The decree Laetentur Caeli proclaimed union with the Greeks in 1439
  • Further unions were agreed with Armenians and Copts
Historical impact
The union was rejected by most of the Byzantine clergy and people and lapsed after 1453; its texts remain central to Catholic–Orthodox dialogue.
Original documents

Sources and References