The Theological Inquiry at Poitiers and Joan of Arc’s First Test (April 1429)

In April 1429, a commission of inquiry convened in Poitiers to assess Joan of Arc’s character, morality, and claims of divine inspiration. The theologians did not explicitly confirm her divine mission, but they determined that she was a good and virtuous Christian, free from heresy or sorcery.

Rather than making a definitive ruling on her divine guidance, the commission concluded that there was a "favorable presumption" in support of her mission. This verdict was sufficient for Charles VII, who was desperate for a miraculous intervention in the war.

However, the theologians also insisted that Joan must be put to the test—her claims would only be validated if she succeeded in lifting the siege of Orléans.

I. The Poitiers Inquiry: Evaluating Joan’s Orthodoxy

• The theologians examined Joan’s background, character, and religious devotion, searching for any signs of heresy or fraud.
• They did not directly confirm her divine inspiration, but they found no reason to doubt her piety and sincerity.
• The commission concluded that Joan was a "good and virtuous Christian", ruling out any suspicion of heresy or demonic influence.

II. The Conditional Approval of Joan’s Mission

• Instead of a direct endorsement, the theologians stated:
  • There was a "favorable presumption" that Joan’s mission was from God.
  • Charles VII had a holy obligation to test her claims before fully accepting her as divinely guided.
• The only way to prove her legitimacy was through military success.

III. The Test: The Relief of Orléans

• The theologians declared that Joan’s first test would be the lifting of the siege of Orléans.
• If she succeeded, it would be seen as confirmation of divine favor.
• If she failed, then her mission—and Charles VII’s faith in her—would be discredited.

IV. The Importance of the Decision

• The commission's ruling gave Charles VII the confidence to allow Joan to lead troops, while also protecting him from accusations of relying on a heretic or fraud.
• The siege of Orléans became a defining moment—if Joan triumphed, she would prove herself to the court, the clergy, and the people of France.

The Poitiers inquiry of April 1429 provided cautious but crucial approval of Joan of Arc, setting the stage for her defining moment at Orléans, where she would prove herself through action rather than words.