Flashback to February 14

World History

1409

Western Schism: The Catholic church is led into a double schism

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On June 26, 1409, a momentous event took place in the history of the Catholic Church. The Council of Pisa saw the election of Pope Alexander V, also known as Petros Philargos. This event marked the beginning of a double schism within the church, as it joined the already-existing Popes Gregory XII in Rome and Benedict XIII in Avignon. This series of events came to be known as the Western Schism, a period of great turmoil and division within the Catholic Church.

The Western Schism is often referred to as the Papal Schism or the Great Schism of the West. It lasted from 1378 to 1417 and had a significant impact on the church, its followers, and even the wider political landscape of Europe at the time. It all began with the election of Pope Urban VI in 1378.

Pope Urban VI’s papacy was marked by controversies and conflicts, leading to a disillusionment among some cardinals. As a result, a group of cardinals, dissatisfied with Urban’s leadership, elected Pope Clement VII in 1378. Pope Clement moved the papal court to Avignon, France, while Pope Urban remained in Rome. With two Popes claiming authority, the Western Schism officially began.

During the next few decades, the schism further deepened as new Popes were elected, each claiming legitimate succession to the papacy. Pope Boniface IX succeeded Urban VI in Rome, and Pope Benedict XIII succeeded Clement VII in Avignon. Both Popes had significant support from different factions within the church, leading to an even greater divide.

The situation reached a tipping point in 1409 when the Council of Pisa was called in an attempt to resolve the schism and reunite the church. However, instead of resolving the issue, the council only deepened the division. The Council of Pisa, with the authority it claimed, elected Pope Alexander V, further complicating the already fragmented papacy.

Now, there were three Popes claiming to be the rightful successors of Saint Peter, each with their own followers and supporters. The Western Schism had split the church into multiple factions, each recognizing a different Pope as the legitimate leader of the Catholic Church.

This unprecedented division within the Catholic Church had profound effects. It led to confusion and loss of faith among the laity, as they struggled to determine which Pope to follow. It also divided the political loyalties across Europe, as different kingdoms and rulers aligned themselves with different Popes and used their authority to further their own interests.

The Western Schism finally came to an end in 1417 with the Council of Constance. The Council deposed all the three Popes and elected Pope Martin V, who was universally recognized as the legitimate Pope. This marked the restoration of unity within the church and the end of a tumultuous period for Catholicism.

The Western Schism remains a significant event in the history of the Catholic Church. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and the challenges that arise when division takes hold. The schism highlighted the need for clear protocols and procedures for the election and succession of Popes, leading to reforms in the Church in the following years.

Although the Western Schism was a dark chapter in the history of Catholicism, it ultimately served as a catalyst for introspection and necessary reforms within the Church. It reaffirmed the belief in the importance of unity and the need for strong leadership within the institution.

Today, the Western Schism stands as a reminder of the resilience of the Catholic Church and the enduring faith of its followers. It is a testament to the ability of the institution to overcome challenges and emerge stronger in times of crisis.

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