He was born in Valencia in 1350. At the age of seventeen, he joined the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). Renowned as a teacher of philosophy and theology, he became even more famous as a preacher. Preaching with a popular and passionate style, he traveled through Spain, France, and Italy. A supporter of the Avignon popes, he secured their favor in the kingdoms of Spain during the Great Schism.
However, after spending some time at the Avignon papal court, he distanced himself from it to work for Church unity and broke ties with Benedict XIII when the latter refused to renounce his claims as supreme head of the Church, as Vincent had urged him to do.
In 1412, he was called to Caspe to decide on the succession of the Crown of Aragon after the death of King Martin the Humane, who left no heir. Vincent supported the Castilian Infante Ferdinand of Antequera. With the intention of finding a way to make peace—or at least secure a truce—in the Hundred Years’ War, he preached throughout France. He died in Vannes (Brittany) during this campaign on April 5, 1419.
Canonized in 1455 by Callixtus III, a fellow countryman of his, the pope’s death delayed the publication of the bull of canonization until 1458.
