The death of Clement VII in September 1394 presented those of the Avignonese obedience who were concerned to end the schism with an opportunity which they could not afford to miss. Unfortunately, however, it proved impossible to achieve any really coordinated effort. At Paris, the masters joined with the crown to urge the cardinals to defer the election of a new pope. At the same time the academics asked the king to summon a national council, reopen his negotiations with Boniface IX and restore to the university its freedom to discuss the schism, all of which formed part of a coherent programme for reunification of the church which was to be led by the French king. Charles VI granted all their requests, the masters reciprocating by recommencing their academic activities.

But the pleas to the cardinals to defer an election were ignored, and Pedro de Luna emerged from the conclave as Pope Benedict XIII. However, he had taken an oath, both as cardinal (with the other members of the college) and as pope, to work for reunion by all possible means, including resignation if necessary. This oath and its effects were to be much debated in coming years. In the meantime, fearing possible Parisian hostility to his election, the new pope sent a conciliatory letter to the masters, but his fears of their disapproval proved groundless.