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The vindication of Joan of Arc: What was the surprising turn of events during the 1456 retrial?
Joan of Arc, a woman considered a French national hero, was burned at the stake in 1471 on charges of heresy, but was cleared during a retrial in 1456. What surprising twists and turns did this retrial take that allowed this tragic figure to finally receive justice?
Background of the Retrial
Joan of Arc's experience left a deep mark on French history. On May 30, 1431, she was found guilty and executed in Rouen, which was a huge political burden for King Charles VII of France at the time, as Joan of Arc had played an important role in his coronation ceremony. Joan of Arc's conviction meant that Charles' coronation might have been facilitated by the actions of a heretic.
Initial investigation attempt
In 1450, Charles VII ordered the clergyman Guillaume Bouillard to investigate Joan of Arc's original trial. However, Bouillard's task was difficult because most of the investigators were involved in Joan of Arc's original trial.
The investigation was launched at a time when the English still occupied Rouen and Charles VII was unable to fully control the situation. Thus, Bouillet’s investigation was limited to a preliminary assessment and failed to trigger a substantive retrial.
Kardoli's Intervention
In 1452, Cardinal Guillaume de Stoutiville, appointed by Pope Nicholas V, began to pay more attention to Joan of Arc's injustice and hoped to review Joan of Arc's case in order to repair Charles's reputation. In the face of Joan of Arc's case, the Cardinal initiated a series of witness interviews, but the results of these interviews were not satisfactory because most of the important witnesses present could not be recalled.
Opening of retrial
The push for a retrial came again from a request by Joan's mother Isabelle and her brothers to Pope Calix III. This request was finally answered in 1455, leading to the retrial of Joan of Arc.
After much debate and discussion, the result of the retrial was finally revealed in July 1456, with the questioning of a series of witnesses against Joan of Arc. Many witnesses testified to her innocence and provided testimony to the courage and fearlessness she displayed in carrying out her mission.
The verdict and its impact
On July 7, 1456, after analysis by scholars, Joan of Arc's original verdict was ruled invalid and her injustice was vindicated.
This verdict not only cleared Joan of Arc's 25-year-long stigma, but also marked an important turning point in French history. With the end of the retrial, the church clearly pointed out the various inappropriateness and errors in the original judgment and acknowledged Joan of Arc's innocence. Looking back on this process, everyone is asking, can all historical events really be judged and adjudicated fairly?
