The Western Great Schism 1378 1417 Moving the

The Western (Great) Schism, 1378 -1417 • Moving the papacy from Rome to Avignon in 1309 caused an outcry

Pope Gregory XI. Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 26 Aug. 2011. <http: //www. britannica. com/EBchecked/media/121969/Pope. Gregory-XI>. • Stung by his critics, Gregory leaves Avignon, returns to Rome. • Romans insist on selecting a Roman, at least an Italian. • Urban VI, an Italian, chosen

Pope Urban VI • Cardinals expected to gain important posts in government under Urban. • Instead, Urban took away their wealth & privileges. • French cardinals called on Urban to resign. • When he refused, French cardinals elected their own pope; Clement VII. • We now have 2 popes.

Pope Clement VII • Clement moves to Avignon, leading to the Western “Great” Schism. • All of Europe begins to take sides.

Taking Sides in the Schism Clement VII (Avignon) France Burgundy, Scotland, Castile Portugal Urban VI (Rome) England, Italy Holy Roman Empire, Poland, Hungary Portugal

The Great Schism • Each side excommunicated the other. • Cardinals loyal to neither pope met in 1409 at the Council of Pisa. • Council removed both popes and elected a new one, Alexander V • Clement & Urban refused to resign • Now there were three popes.

The Great Schism • Church council convened under newest pope at Constance in 1414. • All popes resigned or were removed • The Council then elected Martin V, recognized by the rulers of Europe as the one true pope. • The Great Schism was over.