benedict xiii: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Historical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “benedict xiii” mean?
The regnal name of two historical popes, most notably Pedro Martínez de Luna (c.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The regnal name of two historical popes, most notably Pedro Martínez de Luna (c.1328–1423), who was elected by French cardinals during the Western Schism and considered by his supporters to be the legitimate pope, but is now regarded by the Catholic Church as an antipope.
Used to refer specifically to the historical figure and antipope of the Western Schism, his papacy, or any related artifacts, documents, or historical analysis. Can also refer to Pope Benedict XIII (1649–1730) of the Orsini family, a legitimate 18th-century pope, though less commonly referenced without specific context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation follow the same Latin/English conventions.
Connotations
Carries strong connotations of medieval church history, schism, and contested authority. Neutral in modern usage, purely referential.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Exclusively found in historical, theological, or academic contexts. Frequency is identical in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “benedict xiii” in a Sentence
Benedict XIII + verb (reigned, claimed, was elected)the + papacy/reign/claim + of + Benedict XIIIduring + the + time/papacy + of + Benedict XIIIVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “benedict xiii” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council sought to depose Benedict XIII.
- Historians continue to debate the legitimacy of Benedict XIII's claim.
American English
- French cardinals elected Benedict XIII.
- Few kingdoms continued to recognize Benedict XIII by 1409.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The Benedict XIII papacy was centred in Avignon.
- Benedict XIII supporters were known as Obedientiaries.
American English
- A Benedict XIII bull was issued in 1398.
- The Benedict XIII faction held considerable power in Spain.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and medieval history texts discussing the Western Schism, papal authority, or 14th/15th-century Europe.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might appear in advanced crossword puzzles, historical documentaries, or specialised conversations.
Technical
Used in Catholic historiography and theology to specifically denote this figure within the chronology of popes and antipopes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “benedict xiii”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “benedict xiii”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “benedict xiii”
- Pronouncing 'XIII' as 'ex-eye-eye-eye' instead of 'thirteenth'.
- Omitting the 'XIII' and causing ambiguity with other Pope Benedicts.
- Confusing the antipope Benedict XIII with the legitimate 18th-century Pope Benedict XIII.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on perspective. Pedro de Luna, who took the name Benedict XIII, was elected by a faction of cardinals in 1394 during the Western Schism and was considered the legitimate pope by his supporters. However, the modern Catholic Church considers him an antipope, with his line of succession deemed illegitimate.
The numbering system for papal names can be confusing. After the Schism, the Roman line's numbering was considered official. Therefore, when Pietro Francesco Orsini took the name Benedict in 1724, he became Benedict XIII, ignoring the earlier Avignon claimant of the same name in the official count.
The antipope Benedict XIII (Pedro de Luna) ruled from Avignon, France, and later from Perpignan and Peñíscola in Spain after being forced to flee Avignon.
Yes, the spelling of the proper name 'Benedict' is identical in both British and American English. Any variations are in the pronunciation of the first syllable (/ˈbɛnɪdɪkt/ in UK, /ˈbɛnəˌdɪkt/ in US).
The regnal name of two historical popes, most notably Pedro Martínez de Luna (c.
Benedict xiii is usually formal, historical, academic in register.
Benedict xiii: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɛnɪdɪkt ˈθɜːtiːnθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛnəˌdɪkt ˈθɜrˌtinθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms exist for this proper name.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BENEDICT the THIRTEENTH, split the church, his reign was tense.' Links the name, number, and historical context of conflict.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable for a historical proper noun in standard usage.
Practice
Quiz
Benedict XIII is most historically significant as: