The Babylonian Captivity of the Church

The Babylonian Captivity of the Church refers to a period in the 14th century when the Papacy, the central authority of the Catholic Church, was moved from Rome to Avignon, France. This situation lasted from 1309 to 1377 and was marked by seven consecutive Popes residing in Avignon. It caused significant political and religious tension, as many believers felt the Church had lost its spiritual authority and independence. This period contributed to growing dissatisfaction within the Church, eventually leading to the Protestant Reformation and calls for reform within Catholicism itself.