Pope Boniface IX served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1389 to 1404. He was born Benedetto Caetani and became pope during a time marked by political instability and the Western Schism, a split within the Church that led to multiple claimants to the papacy. Boniface IX worked to strengthen the papacy and restore its authority. During his papacy, Boniface IX focused on administrative reforms and the management of Church finances. He also convened several ecumenical councils to address issues within the Church. His efforts aimed to unify the Church and improve its governance amid ongoing challenges.