The Council of Constance, convened in 1414, was a pivotal ecumenical council that sought to resolve the Western Schism, a period of division within the Catholic Church. The council resulted in the election of Pope Martin V, effectively ending the schism and restoring papal authority. Additionally, it addressed critical issues of church reform and led to the execution of Jan Hus, a precursor to the Protestant Reformation, highlighting the tensions between emerging reformist ideas and established church doctrine.

The Council of Constance in 1414 reinforced conciliar ideas and anti-heresy stances, impacting themes of authority and reform in Renaissance poetry. Poets like Francesco Petrarca began to reflect on the moral complexities of power and faith, influencing the literary landscape of the Reformation.