The Great Schism of the West

The Great Schism of the West, also known as the Western Schism, was a break within the Catholic Church from 1378 to 1417, where multiple popes claimed authority simultaneously. It arose from political conflicts and disagreements over papal leadership, leading to rival popes based in different Italian cities and later across Europe. This divided the Church’s unity, confusing believers and undermining its spiritual authority. The schism was resolved at the Council of Constance, which elected a single pope, restoring stability, but the event highlighted deep divisions and contributed to broader calls for reform.