Page "Pope Martin V" Paragraph 14
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Slavery was commonplace in Europe, Africa, and Asia during Martin's reign and was accepted by " almost everyone " with few arguing against it.
During the 15th century, sentiment in Europe increasingly turned against the enslavement of Christians and the Church denounced such practices, but this did not extend to unbelievers.
According to Burton ( 2007 ) Martin authorized a crusade against Africa in 1418 and this coupled with a later bull ( 1441 ) sanctioned the Portuguese trade in African slaves.
In March 1425 a bull was issued that threatened excommunication for any Christian slave dealers and ordered Jews to wear a " badge of infamy " to deter, in part, the buying of Christians.
The papal bull of excommunication issued to the Genoese merchants of Caffa related to the buying and selling of Christians, but has been considered ineffectual as prior injunctions against the Viennese, including the Laws of Gazaria, made allowances for the sale of both Christian and Muslim slaves.
Davidson ( 1961 ) argues that Martin's injunction against slavery was not a condemnation of slavery itself, but rather driven through fear of " infidel power ".
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