Cause and Effect of the Great Schism

Cause and Effect of the Great Schism

During the late middle ages, many factors gradually led to the weakening the Catholic Church.   One factor for the weakening of the Catholic Church is the selling of indulgences to support the church. In addition, the church was also selling offices, or leadership positions. This caused many Catholics to be deeply disturbed by the abuse of indulgences and simony (the buying and selling of spiritual or holy things). Second, kings and queens tried to increase their own power. Because of this, there were many disputes and conflict with the pope. These disputes added to the questioning of the pope’s authority. This further added to the weakening of the Catholic Church. Third, Pope Clement V appointed many French cardinals. Therefore, many Europeans believed that France’s kings now controlled the papacy. Furthermore, Pope Gregory moved the papacy back to Rome in 377. A year later, an Italian was elected pope and refused to move back to Avignon. The church council later elected a third pope! All of them claimed to be the real head of the church, and this eventually caused the division in the Catholic Church, known as the Great Schism. The Great Schism lessened people’s respect for the papacy and sparked calls for reforms. All in all, there were many events that led to the Great Schism. Indulgences were sold to support the church, kings and queens tried to increase their own power, and there were, at one time, 3 popes!