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Pope Martin V was elected in 1417 during the long and heated Council of Constance. The main issue was the Western Schism, which had severely damaged the reputation of the office. After the resignation of both Popes, the general consensus throughout the Church was that the world needed a Pope who would encourage dialogue and prevent future divisions within the Church.

Thus, it was decided by the Council of Bishops that a general Church council be held every five years. Martin was seen as the man most likely to make this happen, and was thus given the Papal Tiara. Soon after assuming office, however, Martin began to do all in his power to delay and discourage further councils out of fear it would limit his authority. He used low attendance at the Council of Siena to justify cancelling the agreement reached during the Council of Constance.

So what if Pope Martin V had allowed the Councils to take place or the Vatican had elected a different man in his place? Would these defuse or moderate the growing discontent in regions like Germany?
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