The Crisis of the Papacy

The Crisis of the Papacy (14th-century) was a period when the Catholic Church faced significant internal strife, notably the papal schism, where multiple individuals claimed to be the true pope. This caused confusion, weakened church authority, and divided Europe politically and socially. The crisis was fueled by political rivalries, corruption, and events like the Avignon Papacy, where the Pope resided in France instead of Rome. Ultimately, efforts were made to resolve these disputes, restoring unity and strengthening the church’s spiritual authority.