The Western Schism
Discover the crisis that divided Western Christendom. For nearly forty years, two and sometimes three men simultaneously claimed to be the true pope. The Western Schism tested the Church to its limits before the Council of Constance restored unity.
The Western Schism
When the Church HadThree Popes
When Gregory XI died in 1378, just a year after returning to Rome, the cardinals elected Urban VI under pressure from the Roman mob. Within months, the French cardinals declared the election invalid and chose Clement VII, who returned to Avignon. Christendom was divided: nations, dioceses, and even religious orders split their allegiance between Rome and Avignon.
The schism was not about doctrine but authority - who was the true Vicar of Christ? Saints found themselves on opposing sides: St Catherine of Siena supported Rome, while St Vincent Ferrer initially backed Avignon. When the Council of Pisa attempted to resolve the crisis by electing a third pope, it only made matters worse.
Resolution came at the Council of Constance (1414-1418), one of the most remarkable assemblies in Church history. The council deposed two claimants, accepted the resignation of Gregory XII, and elected Martin V, ending the scandal. The Church emerged wounded but united, with renewed appreciation for the importance of papal legitimacy.
At a Glance
Forty Years of Division
From 1378 to 1417, Western Christianity was split between rival papal claimants in Rome, Avignon, and briefly Pisa.
The Council of Constance
This great council healed the schism, condemned Jan Hus, and demonstrated the Church's capacity for self-reform.
Saints on Both Sides
Holy men and women supported different claimants in good faith, showing this was a crisis of knowledge, not sanctity.
“The Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic - and must be visibly united under one head.”
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Council of Constance
On the necessity of ending the schism, 1415
Unity Restored
The Western Schism reminds us that visible unity matters. Christ prayed that his followers might be one, and the Church at Constance worked to make that prayer a reality once more.