Why were there three popes at the same time? - Joëlle Rollo-Koster
TED-Ed・4 minutes read
The Avignon Papacy and subsequent Western Schism in the late 14th century led to a division in the Catholic Church with three popes, eventually resolved by the Council of Constance in 1417 electing Martin V as the true papal authority, ending the 39-year schism between Avignon and Rome factions.
Insights
- The Avignon Papacy and subsequent Western Schism in the late 14th century created a divided Western Christendom with rival popes in Avignon and Rome, leading to a prolonged period of conflict and political alliances among European rulers.
- The resolution of the schism at the Council of Constance in 1417 deposed the existing popes and elected Martin V, establishing the Roman line as the legitimate papal authority and ending the 39-year-long crisis that had plagued the Catholic Church.
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Recent questions
What was the Avignon Papacy?
The Avignon Papacy was a period in the late 14th century when the papal court was moved from Rome to Avignon, France, due to conflicts between the French monarchy and the papacy.
Why did the Western Christendom split?
The split in Western Christendom occurred due to a schism sparked by Pope Urban VI's election in Rome and subsequent clashes with cardinals over financial reforms, leading to the election of Pope Clement VII and the division of Western Christendom into Avignon and Rome factions.
How did the Council of Constance resolve the schism?
The Council of Constance, held in 1417, deposed the existing popes and elected Martin V, ending the schism that had persisted for decades and solidifying the Roman line as the true papal authority.
What led to the conflict between King Philip IV of France and Pope Boniface VIII?
The conflict between King Philip IV of France and Pope Boniface VIII stemmed from disputes over Church taxes, leading to a unique situation in the late 14th century with three popes and eventually the Avignon Papacy.
How did European rulers respond to the papal schism?
European rulers took sides during the papal schism, aligning themselves with either the Avignon or Rome factions, which persisted for decades until the Council of Constance resolved the conflict in 1417.
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Summary
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The Great Western Schism: A Papal Crisis
- In the late 14th century, Catholics faced a unique situation with three popes, stemming from King Philip IV of France's conflict with Pope Boniface VIII over Church taxes, leading to the Avignon Papacy.
- Pope Urban VI's election in Rome sparked a schism as he clashed with cardinals over financial reforms, leading to the election of Pope Clement VII and the split of Western Christendom into Avignon and Rome factions.
- The schism persisted for decades, with European rulers taking sides, until the Council of Constance in 1417 deposed the existing popes and elected Martin V, ending the schism after 39 years and solidifying the Roman line as the true papal authority.
