The 14th Century

The 14th century (1301-1400) was a period of immense upheaval for the Catholic Church. The relocation of the papacy to Avignon between 1309 and 1377, sometimes called the Babylonian Captivity, significantly diminished the office's prestige as it fell under French influence. This displacement set the stage for the Western Schism, which would fracture Christendom for nearly four decades.

The Black Death swept across Europe between 1347 and 1351, killing an estimated 30-60% of the population. This catastrophe shook the foundations of medieval society and profoundly impacted religious thought, with many interpreting it as divine punishment while others questioned the Church's ability to offer protection and solace.

Yet amid this turmoil, the century also witnessed a remarkable flowering of mysticism. Figures such as Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, and St Catherine of Siena offered profound spiritual insights that continue to inspire believers today. Their writings on divine love and union with God provided hope and guidance through the darkness of plague and schism.