Western Schism

The Western Schism (1378-1417) was a split within the Catholic Church that resulted in two, and eventually three, rival popes claiming authority simultaneously. After Pope Gregory XI returned the papacy to Rome, his death led to the election of Pope Urban VI, whose unpopular reforms caused some cardinals to elect a rival pope, Clement VII, who resided in Avignon. This division created confusion and conflict among Christians, as different regions supported different popes. The schism ended with the Council of Constance, which resolved the issue and restored a single pope, helping to unify the Church again.