Jean Gerson (Latin: Iohannes Gersonius) was a French theologian, mystic, and ecclesiastical reformer who served as Chancellor of the University of Paris from 1395 until his death. A leading conciliarist, he played a decisive role at the Council of Constance (1414–1418) in ending the Western Schism and in the trials of Jan Hus and Jerome of Prague. Gerson wrote prolifically on pastoral theology, mystical contemplation, ecclesiastical governance, and the reform of the Church, and he was widely read throughout the late medieval and early modern periods. His works on simony, clerical discipline, and the limits of papal authority made him one of the most influential churchmen of the fifteenth century.
