The last pontiff to resign in office, he was caught up in the leadership crisis known as the Great Schism, in which three rival popes had been elected by rival church factions.

WSJ: When Last Pope Retired, Church Was in Turmoil

The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII, who stepped down in 1415 in a deal to end the Great Western Schism among competing papal claimants.

NPR: Pope Resigning On Feb. 28, Conclave In March

Among his influences, Mr von Hagens cites Michelangelo, da Vinci, and other great anatomical artists who worked before the schism of art and science, and when operating theatres were just that.

ECONOMIST: Anatomy as art