The Western Schism and Important Councils

Which of the following actions was NOT taken against John Wycliffe after he was declared a heretic?

What was the primary source of inspiration for Jan Huss's reformist ideas?

What was the main reason for Savonarola being sentenced to death as a heretic?

Which of the following best characterizes the Council of Constance's role in the events described?

What was the key difference between 'The Lollards' and the followers of Jan Huss?

What was a key factor contributing to the Western Schism?

Which council attempted to resolve the Western Schism by deposing both existing popes?

How was the Western Schism finally resolved?

What was one of the consequences of the Western Schism for the Church?

Who was the first pope elected by the cardinals after the Avignon papacy, to reside in Rome after the Western Schism started?

What major criticism did John Wycliffe express regarding the Church?

Before the Council of Constance, how many popes were there at certain points in time during the Western Schism?

Who was the new and only recognized pope when the Western Schism was resolved at the Council of Constance?

The Western Schism

Pope Boniface VIII (1294-1303) failed to control European rulers.
Philip IV (the Fair) challenged Papal authority, demanding clergy taxes.
After Pope Boniface VIII's death, the French king elected a French Pope.
Popes resided in Avignon (1309-1377), not Rome.
An Italian Pope (Urban VI) was elected in 1378 and returned to Rome.
French bishops opposed this, electing a rival antipope (Clemens VII) in Avignon.
Both claimed legitimacy, creating a divided Papacy (Western Schism, 1378-1417).
Dioceses, abbeys, and parishes sometimes had two leaders.

Important Councils

The Council of Pisa (1409) attempted to resolve the schism by deposing both popes and electing a new one (Alexander V).
Alexander V died, succeeded by John XXIII.
Clemens VII and Urban VI didn't acknowledge the new Pope, resulting in three popes.
The Council of Constance (1417) resolved the schism, making Martin V the sole Pope who resided in Rome.

Damage to the Church

Despite the new Pope, the Church was significantly weakened.
Rulers appointed bishops, weakened Church control.
Clerical corruption and poor living conditions fueled reactions.

John Wycliffe

Oxford professor John Wycliffe (1328-1384) criticized the clergy's privileges.
He challenged papal authority and advocated for biblical interpretation.
His followers (Lollards) gained influence in the third estate.
Condemned as a heretic at the Council of Constance (1415), his works were burned.

Jan Huss

Czech philosopher and theologian Jan Huss (1372-1415) drew inspiration from Wycliffe.
Advocated for Church reform.
Foundation for Hussitism, an early form of Protestantism.
Declared a heretic and burned at the stake at the Council of Constance (1415).

Overall Damage

The Western Schism fractured the unity and authority of the Church.
Corruption, greed, and a lack of adherence to religious principles harmed the Church.
The actions of leaders like Wycliffe and Huss challenged the existing power structures.
The Hussite Wars further tested the Church's influence.

Explore the complexities of the Western Schism that divided the Papacy between 1378 and 1417. This quiz covers key figures, events, and councils, including the attempts made to resolve the schism. Test your knowledge on this pivotal moment in church history.