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In 1378, a papal election would set the stage for one of the most chaotic chapters in the Catholic Church's history. The conclave, marked by political pressure and fear, led to the election of two rival popes: one in Rome, and one in Avignon. This division, known as the Western Schism, tore at the very fabric of Catholicism, leaving a legacy of confusion and conflict that would haunt the Church for decades.
Intrigued? Click on to learn more about the conclave that almost split the Catholic Church in two.
The 1378 conclave occurred during a time of political tension. The recent return of the papacy from Avignon to Rome sparked unrest and demands for an Italian pope.
Before 1378, popes resided in Avignon, France, for nearly 70 years. Pope Gregory XI ended this by returning the papal seat to Rome in 1377.
In March 1378, Gregory XI died in Rome. His death triggered a papal election under extraordinary pressure from both the Roman populace and various European powers.
Romans feared a return to Avignon. Crowds surrounded the conclave, demanding an Italian pope. Their violent protests created a chaotic and intimidating atmosphere for the cardinals.
Despite the pressure, most of the 16 voting cardinals were French. They were wary of Roman interference and sought to protect their influence over the papacy.
The conclave, held from April 7 to 9, took place under intense pressure and fear of violence. Amid the unrest, the cardinals elected Bartolomeo Prignano, the Archbishop of Bari. Though Italian, he was not a cardinal, an uncommon and surprising choice.
Prignano took the name Urban VI. Initially accepted by the cardinals, he appeared to satisfy both Roman demands and the cardinals’ desire to prevent civil unrest.
Soon after his election, Urban VI revealed a rigid, authoritarian style. He harshly criticized the cardinals' lifestyles and sought to reform the Roman Curia, the Church's central administrative body, without compromise.
Urban's aggressive behavior alarmed many. French cardinals, in particular, felt deceived and threatened. They began to question the legitimacy of his election amid the Roman mob's pressure.
By summer, French cardinals declared Urban's election invalid. They claimed it had been made under duress, violating the Church's canonical requirements for a free papal election.
In September 1378, 13 cardinals met in Fondi, a town south of Rome. They declared Urban VI deposed and elected Robert of Geneva as pope.
Robert of Geneva took the name Clement VII. A skilled diplomat and cardinal, he was supported by France and its allies. Thus began the Western Schism.
The Church now faced a deep crisis: two rival popes, Urban VI in Rome and Clement VII in Avignon, each claiming to be the true successor of Peter.
European nations split their loyalties. France, Scotland, and Spain supported Clement VII. England, the Holy Roman Empire, and most of Italy backed Urban VI.
This division, known as the Western Schism, lasted nearly 40 years. It fractured the unity of the Church and caused widespread confusion and conflict.
The schism posed serious theological dilemmas: which pope held divine authority? Whose sacraments were valid? Could salvation be found outside obedience to the true pontiff?
The schism wasn't just spiritual—it became deeply political. Monarchs used papal allegiance to strengthen diplomatic alliances and undermine enemies. The papacy became a tool of political power.
Urban VI became increasingly isolated. His erratic behavior and brutal treatment of dissenters, including cardinals, tarnished his image and weakened his legitimacy.
Clement VII established his court in Avignon, reactivating the old papal residence. He ruled effectively, but was seen by many as a puppet of the French crown.
Each pope had his own curia, cardinals, and bureaucracy. Competing papal taxes and excommunications deepened the rift, burdening clergy and believers alike.
Ordinary Christians were deeply troubled. Pilgrims, priests, and parishes didn't know which pope to follow. The Church's credibility suffered severely.
Theologians and monarchs called for unity. Attempts at mediation failed, as neither pope would renounce his claim. Councils were suggested as a way forward.
The crisis sparked calls for conciliarism, the idea that a Church council could have more authority than the pope. This concept challenged long-standing papal supremacy.
In 1409, the Council of Pisa tried to end the papal schism by deposing both popes and electing Antipope Alexander V. Instead, it created a third claimant. Alexander died in 1410, possibly poisoned, and was succeeded by John XXIII.
Finally, the Council of Constance resolved the crisis. All three popes were either deposed or forced to resign. A new pope, Martin V, was elected in 1417.
Martin V's election marked the end of the Western Schism. Papal unity was restored, though the scars of division remained for decades within the Church.
The schism weakened papal authority and credibility. It exposed deep flaws in Church governance and sparked movements for reform, including early calls for transparency and conciliar power.
Some historians see the 1378 conclave and ensuing schism as laying the groundwork for the Protestant Reformation. It showed the Church’s vulnerability to politics and internal corruption.
The 1378 conclave shows how leadership chosen out of fear can unravel institutions. It marked a dramatic turning point in Church history, with consequences that echoed for centuries.
Sources: (Time) (Britannica) (USA Today)
See also: The longest papal conclave in history lasted almost three years
The conclave that almost split the Catholic Church in two
In 1378, one election led to two popes
LIFESTYLE Religion
In 1378, a papal election would set the stage for one of the most chaotic chapters in the Catholic Church's history. The conclave, marked by political pressure and fear, led to the election of two rival popes: one in Rome, and one in Avignon. This division, known as the Western Schism, tore at the very fabric of Catholicism, leaving a legacy of confusion and conflict that would haunt the Church for decades.
Intrigued? Click on to learn more about the conclave that almost split the Catholic Church in two.