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Why did church officials question St. Joan of Arc at Poitiers?

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Painting by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres showing Joan of Arc in armor holding a banner at an altar during the coronation of Charles VII in Reims Cathedral, with figures praying behind her. — St. Joan of Arc *Joan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII in Reims Cathedral*, by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, 1854; in the Louvre, Paris.

The questioning of St. Joan of Arc by ecclesiastical authorities at Poitiers was prompted by the pervasive fear of heresy that followed the conclusion of the Western Schism in 1417.1

At the time, the dauphin Charles (later Charles VII) faced a disputed claim to the French throne, and his cause appeared desperate. When Joan arrived at Chinon claiming a divine mission to lead the army and secure his coronation, Charles’s counselors were divided. To address concerns regarding her legitimacy and the potential risk of heresy, the dauphin ordered that she be examined by eminent theologians allied to his cause at Poitiers.1

These examinations, which lasted for three weeks, were intended to vet her mission before the dauphin would commit to her support. Following the proceedings, the churchmen reported that, given the dire situation at Orléans, the dauphin would be well-advised to utilize her services.1