Rehabilitation trial of Joan of Arc

Isabelle Romée and her two sons before Jean Bréhal, inquisitor-general of France. Inspired by the Trinity, Pope Calixtus III authorizes the Rehabilitation trial of Joan of Arc (Manuscrit de Diane de Poitiers, XVIth century).

The conviction of Joan of Arc in 1431 was posthumously investigated on appeal in the 1450s by Inquisitor-General Jean Bréhal at the request of Joan's surviving family—her mother Isabelle Romée and two of her brothers, Jean and Pierre. The appeal was authorized by Pope Callixtus III.

The purpose of the retrial was to investigate whether the trial of condemnation and its verdict had been handled justly and according to ecclesiastical law. Investigations started in 1452, and a formal appeal followed in November 1455. On 7 July 1456, the original trial was judged to be invalid due to improper procedures, deceit, and fraud, and the charges against Joan were nullified.