TED-Ed: Why were there three popes at the same time? | Joëlle Rollo-Koster

In the late 14th century, the Catholic Church faced a crisis with three competing popes. The conflict began when King Philip IV of France clashed with Pope Boniface VIII over taxes, leading to the Avignon Papacy. The election of Pope Urban VI in Rome, under pressure from local mobs, was contested, resulting in the Western Schism with two papal lines. Efforts to resolve the schism led to a third pope, further complicating the situation. The Council of Constance in 1417 finally resolved the crisis by electing Pope Martin V, uniting the Church under one leader.

What was the main reason for the conflict between King Philip IV and Pope Boniface VIII?

• King Philip IV raised taxes on the Church.

• Pope Boniface VIII excommunicated King Philip IV.

• Pope Boniface VIII refused to pay taxes to the French crown.

• King Philip IV wanted to appoint his own pope.

Why did the Cardinals declare the election of Pope Urban VI illegitimate?

• The Cardinals wanted a French pope.

• The election was influenced by pressure from the Roman mob.

• Urban VI was not a Roman citizen.

• Urban VI was too young to be pope.

What was the result of the Cardinals' attempt to resolve the schism by electing a third pope?

• The third pope was accepted by all.

• Both existing popes resigned.

• The number of popes increased to three.

• The schism was resolved immediately.

What was the main impact of the schism on ordinary Catholics?

• Significant doctrinal changes

• Increased taxes

• Mandatory allegiance to one pope

• Little impact on daily religious practices

Which council finally resolved the Great Western Schism?

• Council of Trent

• Council of Nicaea

• Council of Constance

• Council of Avignon

Who was elected as the undisputed pope at the end of the schism?

• Pope Urban VI

• Pope Clement VII

• Pope Boniface VIII

• Pope Martin V

How did the schism demonstrate the nature of power struggles within the Church?

• It demonstrated the Church's ability to resolve conflicts quickly.

• It proved the Church's independence from political influence.

• It showed the Church's unity.

• It highlighted the Church's vulnerability to external political pressures.