In the time of the Great Schism (1378-1417), a second general council was held in the free city of Constance from November 1414 until 1418. Clerical delegations from Italy, Germany, France, England and Spain participated in the council that had among others the following proceedings:
- Heresy (1414): the ideas of John Wycliffe and the Lollards were condemned, and two Bohemian thinkers, John Hus and Jerome of Prague, were sentenced to death by burning at stake, which caused a civil war in Bohemia in 1415.
- Council (1415): a decree stated, that the council holds power directly from God. So even if the Pope is absent, everyone must obey its legality.
- New Pope (1417): another decree stated, that all existing popes were deposed and Martin V was elected. After 45 years, the schism was ended.