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Medieval Encyclopedia Entry 1782895232

** The Great Schism of 1378, a pivotal event in the history of the Catholic Church, marked a significant division within the papacy, resulting in two rival claimants to the papal throne and a prolonged period of ecclesiastical turmoil. **CONTENT:** ## Overview The Great Schism, also known as the Western Schism, was a period of intense conflict within the Catholic Church that lasted from 1378 to 1417. This crisis was sparked by a dispute over the legitimacy of the papacy, with two rival claimants vying for control. The schism was a culmination of various factors, including the corrupt and ineffective leadership of the papacy, the rise of nationalism and the decline of papal authority, and the influence of secular powers. The Great Schism was a complex and multifaceted issue that involved not only the papacy but also the monarchies of Europe, the clergy, and the laity. It was a time of great upheaval and division, with the Catholic Church facing its greatest challenge since the Great Western Schism of the 11th century. The schism had far-reaching consequences, including the erosion of papal authority, the rise of heresy and dissent, and the weakening of the Catholic Church's influence in Europe. ## History/Background The Great Schism began in 1378, when Pope Gregory XI died, leaving behind a power vacuum that was exploited by the cardinals who elected Urban VI as the new pope. However, a faction of cardinals, led by Robert of Geneva, disputed the legitimacy of Urban VI's election and instead elected Clement VII as the rightful pope. This led to a split within the papacy, with two rival claimants vying for control. The schism was further complicated by the involvement of secular powers, including the monarchies of France, England, and Spain. These powers saw the schism as an opportunity to exert their influence over the papacy and to gain control over the Catholic Church. The schism also led to the rise of heresy and dissent, as many people began to question the authority of the papacy and the legitimacy of the Catholic Church. ## Key Information The Great Schism lasted for nearly 40 years, with two rival claimants vying for control of the papacy. The schism was marked by a series of papal elections, with each side producing its own pope. The schism also led to the creation of two separate churches, with the supporters of Urban VI forming the Roman Catholic Church and the supporters of Clement VII forming the Western Catholic Church. Some of the key events and figures of the Great Schism include: * The election of Urban VI in 1378, which sparked the schism * The election of Clement VII in 1378, which led to the split within the papacy * The Council of Pisa in 1409, which attempted to resolve the schism but ultimately failed * The Council of Constance in 1414, which finally ended the schism and restored unity to the Catholic Church * The role of key figures such as Pope Gregory XI, Pope Urban VI, and Pope Clement VII in the schism ## Significance The Great Schism had far-reaching consequences for the Catholic Church and for Europe as a whole. The schism led to the erosion of papal authority, the rise of heresy and dissent, and the weakening of the Catholic Church's influence in Europe. The schism also led to the creation of two separate churches, which would eventually lead to the Protestant Reformation and the division of Christianity into different denominations. However, the Great Schism also had a positive impact on the Catholic Church, as it led to a period of reform and renewal. The Council of Constance, which finally ended the schism, implemented a number of reforms, including the establishment of a new system of governance and the promotion of conciliarism, which emphasized the importance of the church's councils in making decisions. **INFOBOX:** - Name: The Great Schism - Type: Ecclesiastical crisis - Date: 1378-1417 - Location: Europe - Known For: Division within the papacy and the Catholic Church **TAGS:** Papal schism, Catholic Church, Western Schism, Council of Pisa, Council of Constance, Conciliarism, Papal authority, Heresy, Dissent, Protestant Reformation, European history, Ecclesiastical history.