Western Schism

Quick Facts: Who was Western Schism?

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Western Schism

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A major period of division within the Catholic Church spanning 1378 to 1417.

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Origins & Early Life

The Western Schism, also known as the Great Divide, the Great Occidental Schism, the Schism of 1378, or the Great Western Schism (Latin: Magnum schisma occidentale, Ecclesiae occidentalis schisma), was a split within the Catholic Church lasting from 20 September 1378 to 11 November 1417, in which bishops residing in Rome and Avignon simultaneously claimed to be the true pope, and were eventually joined by a line of Pisan claimants in 1409. The event was driven by international rivalries, personalities and political allegiances, with the Avignon Papacy in particular being closely tied to the French monarchy. The papacy had resided in Avignon since 1309, but Gregory XI returned to Rome in 1377. The Catholic Church split in September 1378, when, following Gregory XI's death and Urban VI's subsequent election, a group of French cardinals declared his election invalid due to intimidation and violence and, in the presence of three Italian cardinals, elected Clement VII, who claimed to be the true pope. As Roman claimant, Urban VI was succeeded by Boniface IX, Innocent VII and Gregory XII.

Career & Major Achievements

Clement VII was succeeded as Avignon claimant by Benedict XIII. Following several attempts at reconciliation, the Council of Pisa (1409) declared that both Gregory XII and Benedict XIII were heretical and schismatic, and elected another pope, Alexander V. The schism was finally resolved when Alexander V's successor as Pisan claimant, John XXIII, called the Council of Constance (1414–1418). The Council arranged for the renunciation of both the Roman Gregory XII and the Pisan John XXIII. The Avignonian Benedict XIII was excommunicated, while Martin V was elected and reigned from Rome. The split is sometimes referred to as the 'Great Schism', although this term is usually reserved for the East–West Schism of 1054 between the churches remaining in communion with the See of Rome and those remaining with the See of Constantinople.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Under pressure from King Philip IV of France, the popes had, since 1309, resided in Avignon, a papal enclave surrounded by France. Initiated by Clement V, the Avignon Papacy had developed a reputation for corruption that estranged much of Western Christendom. This reputation was attributed to perceptions of strong French influence, the papal curia's efforts to extend its powers of patronage, and attempts to increase its revenues. The last Avignon pope, Gregory XI, at the entreaty of relatives, friends, and his retinue, decided to return to Rome on 17 January 1377. Gregory, however, announced his intention to reverse his decision and return to Avignon just after the Easter celebrations of 1378.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1054: 1054 Milestone — The split is sometimes referred to as the 'Great Schism', although this term is usually reserved for the East–West Schism of 1054 between the churches remaining in communion with the See of Rome and those remaining with the See of Constantinople.
2. 1309: 1309 Milestone — The papacy had resided in Avignon since 1309, but Gregory XI returned to Rome in 1377.
3. 1377: 1377 Milestone — The last Avignon pope, Gregory XI, at the entreaty of relatives, friends, and his retinue, decided to return to Rome on 17 January 1377.
4. 1378: 1378 Milestone — The Western Schism, also known as the Great Divide, the Great Occidental Schism, the Schism of 1378, or the Great Western Schism (Latin: Magnum schisma occidentale, Ecclesiae occidentalis schisma), was a split within the Catholic Church lasting from 20 September 1378 to 11 November 1417, in which bishops residing in Rome and Avignon simultaneously claimed to be the true pope, and were eventually joined by a line of Pisan claimants in 1409.
5. 1409: 1409 Milestone — Following several attempts at reconciliation, the Council of Pisa (1409) declared that both Gregory XII and Benedict XIII were heretical and schismatic, and elected another pope, Alexander V.
6. 1414: 1414 Milestone — The schism was finally resolved when Alexander V's successor as Pisan claimant, John XXIII, called the Council of Constance (1414–1418).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Western Schism

True or False: “The Western Schism was exclusively confined to disputes between the Roman and Avignon papacies, never involving Pisan claimants.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The schism expanded beyond Rome and Avignon when a line of Pisan claimants joined the dispute in 1409.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor — Historical peer (Died in 1378) (1378): Holy Roman Emperor, King of Bohemia, and patron of the arts during the mid-14th century.
• Francesc Eiximenis — Historical peer (Died in 1409) (1409): Influential Catalan Franciscan writer and philosopher of the 14th century.
• Qiu Fu — Historical peer (Died in 1409) (1409): Ming Dynasty general who rose to high rank under the Yongle Emperor before falling in battle.
• François Grimaldi — Historical peer (Died in 1309) (1309): Genoese nobleman and influential leader of the Guelph faction.
• Raden Wijaya — Historical peer (Died in 1309) (1309): Founder of the Majapahit Empire, a pivotal 13th-century Javanese monarch.
• Edward III — Historical peer (Died in 1377) (1377): King of England, whose reign saw England become a major European military power.
• Emperor Go-Komatsu — Historical peer (Born in 1377) (1377): The 100th Emperor of Japan, ruling during the tumultuous Nanboku-chō period.
• Jami — Historical peer (Born in 1414) (1414): Master Persian poet and theologian, renowned for mystical Sufi literature.
• Parameswara of Malacca — Historical peer (Died in 1414) (1414): Founder of the Malacca Sultanate, transitioning from Singapura's last king.

Frequently Asked Questions about Western Schism