Joan of Arc Was Wrongfully Executed for Heresy — 25 Years Later, Her Mother Convinced the Church and Pope to Clear Her Name

Joan of Arc is one of France’s national heroes and patron saints. Her story began as a peasant little girl who received divine guidance that led her to become one of the greatest defenders of the French nation. At just 13 years old, Joan believed that she was hearing the voices and visions of saints. She said that they instructed her to help liberate France from the English attempt to conquer France during the Hundred Years War, from 1337 to 1453.

However, despite all her accomplishments, Joan was put on trial in January 1431 for the crime of heresy. It means they are suspecting her of acting on behalf of demonic visions, and refusing to submit all her actions to the church, saying that only God could judge her. She was then executed by burning at the stake on May 30, 1431, but most people think her story ended on this date at her death. No, it continues on.

A Mother’s Relentless Pursuit of Justice

After Joan of Arc’s execution in 1431 for heresy, Isabelle Romée, Joan’s mother, did not give up on proving her innocence. She spent the next two decades and more trying to convince the church to reopen the case. The church authorities she petitioned to include the current pope at the time, Pope Nicholas V.

It took 25 years in total, when Isabelle was already in her 70s and in poor health, for her efforts to bear fruit. She was one of the most important people in initiating the retrial of Joan of Arc, which would eventually clear her name.

Read more: The Center for Rule of Law

The Nullification Trial: A Quest for Truth

The INCREDIBLE Life And BARBARIC Execution Of Joan Of Arc

In 1455, the retrial known as The Nullification Trial finally commenced at the lead of Pope Callixtus III. The goal was to investigate further whether Joan of Arc’s execution was justified. Managed by generals and bishops, the court heard the testimonies of over 100 people as witnesses to the trial, including those who knew Joan personally.

The retrial ended with the court ruling that Joan of Arc’s original trial was impaired by political motivations, leading to procedural and unjustified errors and decisions. The next step was the most important part: to let the country she protected with her own life finally recognize her innocence and legacy.

A Public Declaration of Innocence

On July 7, 1456, a copy of the original trial transcript was burned in front of the public to showcase the decision of the court, which nullified the original verdict. They describe it as fraudulent and unfair.

Just imagine the feelings of her mother, who was still living despite her poor health during that time. To hear that her daughter was wrongfully executed because of political injustices. A few years later, on November 28, 1458, Isabelle Romée passed away, knowing that she was able to fight and prove the innocence of her daughter.

Read more: History.UCSB.edu

Legacy and Canonization

Joan of Arc’s life story and history already made her one of the best candidates for canonization, which is why, when her exoneration happened, her popularity and legacy grew.

After nearly 500 years, the Roman Catholic church finally declared her a saint. Today, Joan of Arc is a symbol of courage, bravery, and faith. Her story will be remembered throughout history and will continue to inspire people around the world.

The Mother Who Cleared Joan of Arc's Name - Isabelle Romée

Author's Final Thoughts

This article only highlights that Joan of Arc’s story did not end with her death, no matter how eventful it was, and that her mother fought too, for 25 years to prove her innocence. There is a lot more that we have not discussed about Joan of Arc, and her story is something everyone will benefit from reading about and learning from, so if these fun facts interested you, go ahead and learn more about her; you will not regret it.

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