TOURISTS exploring the mar vets of the baptistry of Florence Cathedral in the coming months will perhaps be puzzled. for among the treasures is a tomb of Pope John XXIII.
The tomb, depicting the Pope lying in state, is the work of Donatello. This Pope John XXII1 reigned from 1410 to 1415. He was an anti-pope, elected by dissident bishops and was not recognised by the Church although his name appears on lists of Popes.
He was deposed by the Council of Constance and fled. He was captured and imprisoned but liberated by Pope Gregory XII whom he agreed to serve. He died in 1419.