The Great Schism

The Move to Avignon

Mar 4, 1305

Philip IV had to Cardinals choose a French Pope by the name of Clement V. He moved from Rome to Avignon, France. Popes then lived there for 69 years.

Back to Rome

Feb 10, 1378

The move to Avignon weakened the Church. Then in an attempt to bring the papacy back to Rome, mobs insisted on having a Roman or Italian pope.

Pope Clement VII

Sep 20, 1378

Immediately after the Cardinals chose Urban VI to be the pope they regretted the decision and elected a second pope, Robert of Geneva. He soon took the name Clement VII.

Pope Urban VI

Dec 8, 1378

After the mobs demanded a Roman or Italian pope, the Cardinals chose Pope Urban VI of Italy.

Pope Urban VI

Period: Dec 8, 1378 to Dec 8, 1417

Pope Clement VII

Period: Dec 8, 1378 to Dec 8, 1417

Third Pope Appointed

Jan 5, 1414

The Council of Constance tried to end the Great Schism by choosing just one pope. This failed and there was now three popes. The third one was elected by a earlier council in Pisa.

Great Schism Ends

Jun 17, 1414

The Holy Roman Emperor helped the council force all three popes to resign.

Resolution

Nov 23, 1417

The council chose a new pope, Martin V.

Pope Martin V

Period: Dec 8, 1417 to Dec 8, 1431