Great Schism of 1054

The Great Schism of 1054 was a major split between Eastern (Byzantine) and Western (Roman) Christianity. It occurred due to disagreements over doctrine, church authority, and cultural differences, such as the use of unleavened bread in Communion and the Pope's authority. Tensions grew over centuries, culminating in mutual excommunications, which formally separated the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. This division has persisted, shaping Christianity into two main branches—Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism—each with distinct practices and governance.