Antipope Benedict XIII, born Pedro Martínez de Luna, (b. Illueca, Aragon, 1328; d. Penyiscola, near Valencia and Barcelona, c.1423) an Aragonese, he was a supporter of Robert of Geneva and was elected by the French cardinals on the death of Clement VII Sept. 28 1394. On the death of Urban VI in 1389 the Italian cardinals had chosen Boniface IX; the election of Benedict therefore perpetuated the Papal Schism. The greater portion of the church refused to recognize him, and in 1397 the French church, which had supported him, withdrew from allegiance to both popes, and in 1398 Benedict was imprisoned in his own palace at Avignon. The Council of Constance brought this state of matters to an end and Benedict XIII fled to Penyiscola, a coastal town in the northern border of the Kingdom of Valencia. Benedict abdicated in 1417, having refused to recognise the election of Pope Martin V, but was recognised by Scotland, Castile, Navarre and Aragon until his death in 1424.
He should not be confused with Pope Benedict XIII, who reigned in the 18th century.
The castle in Penyiscola where he lived until his death was restored, improved and new walls where added in 1960 when the Anthony Mann's film El Cid was filmed partially there. The town and castle of Penyiscola where playing the role of Valencia.
Nevertheless BenedictXIII sought to preserve entire freedom of action in his relations with the King of France and the University of Paris.
Benedict was at last obliged to treat with his enemies; in an understanding with his cardinals he pledged himself to renounce the papacy if the Roman pope would do likewise.
BenedictXIII now renewed the interrupted negotiations with the Roman pope, and in 1404 sent four envoys to Rome, to suggest to Boniface IX that some safe spot should be chosen for a meeting between the two popes and both colleges of cardinals, and thus by mutual agreement put an end to the schism.
A brother, not unknown to history, was Boniface Ferrer, General of the Carthusians, who was employed by the antipopeBenedictXIII in important diplomatic missions.
In 1409 he was commissioned by BenedictXIII to announce to Martin of Aragon the death of his only son and heir.
On 6 January, preaching at Perpignan, he declared anew to the vast throng gathered around his pulpit that BenedictXIII was the legitimate pope, but that, since he would not resign to bring peace to the Church, Ferdinand had withdrawn his states from the obedience of Avignon.
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