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A turbulent time in Rome -

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.

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The Avignon papacy ends -

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.

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Pope Gregory XI dies -

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.

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Rome demands an Italian pope -

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.

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French cardinals dominate -

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.

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A shaky election -

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.

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Urban VI -

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.

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A harsh personality emerges -

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.

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Cardinals grow uneasy -

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.

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Claims of invalid election -

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.

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A new conclave is held -

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.

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Clement VII is chosen -

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.

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Two popes, one Church -

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.

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Europe takes sides -

European nations split their loyalties. France, Scotland, and Spain supported Clement VII. England, the Holy Roman Empire, and most of Italy backed Urban VI.

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A divided Christendom -

This division, known as the Western Schism, lasted nearly 40 years. It fractured the unity of the Church and caused widespread confusion and conflict.

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Theological chaos -

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?

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Political maneuvering -

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.

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Urban VI's troubled rule -

Urban VI became increasingly isolated. His erratic behavior and brutal treatment of dissenters, including cardinals, tarnished his image and weakened his legitimacy.

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Clement VII in Avignon -

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.

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Two administrations -

Each pope had his own curia, cardinals, and bureaucracy. Competing papal taxes and excommunications deepened the rift, burdening clergy and believers alike.

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The faithful are confused -

Ordinary Christians were deeply troubled. Pilgrims, priests, and parishes didn't know which pope to follow. The Church's credibility suffered severely.

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Efforts to heal the schism -

Theologians and monarchs called for unity. Attempts at mediation failed, as neither pope would renounce his claim. Councils were suggested as a way forward.

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The council movement rises -

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.

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Council of Pisa -

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.

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Council of Constance -

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.

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Unity restored -

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.

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Long-term effects -

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.

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Prelude to Reformation -

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.

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A lesson in leadership -

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

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