The 14th Century
A century of crisis and transformation. The Black Death, the Avignon Papacy, the Western Schism, and the rise of mysticism shaped the Church during one of the most turbulent periods in its history.
The 14th Century
Crisis andTransformation
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.
At a Glance
The Avignon Papacy
Seven successive popes resided in Avignon from 1309 to 1377, creating a period of French dominance over the Church and setting the stage for the Western Schism.
Mystics and Saints
St Catherine of Siena, Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, and other mystics offered profound spiritual guidance amid the century's turmoil.
Early Reform Voices
John Wycliffe and the Lollards began questioning Church doctrines and practices, anticipating ideas central to the later Protestant Reformation.
“All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”
JO
Julian of Norwich
Revelations of Divine Love, c. 1395
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