Great Western Schism

The Great Western Schism (1378-1417) was a significant split within the Roman Catholic Church, where multiple claimants to the papacy emerged simultaneously. After Pope Gregory XI's death, two rival popes were elected—one in Rome and another in Avignon, France—leading to confusion and division among Christians. Each pope excommunicated the other, causing a crisis of legitimacy. The schism was eventually resolved at the Council of Constance, which recognized Pope Martin V as the sole pope, reuniting the church and restoring its authority. This event highlighted issues of power and influence in the medieval church.