The Great Western Schism Explained

The video explores the Western Schism of the Catholic Church in the late 14th century, where multiple popes claimed authority. It began with a conflict between Pope Boniface VIII and King Philip IV of France, leading to the Avignon Papacy. The schism intensified with the election of Pope Urban VI, resulting in rival popes in Rome and Avignon. The crisis persisted for decades, affecting European diplomacy. It was eventually resolved at the Council of Constance in 1417, uniting the church under Pope Martin V.

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

• Personal rivalry

• Disagreement over church taxes

• Dispute over land ownership

• Conflict over religious doctrine

Why did Pope Clement V move the papacy to Avignon?

• To be closer to the Holy Land

• To avoid a plague in Rome

• To escape the demands of Rome

• To establish a new religious order

What was the reaction of the cardinals to Pope Urban VI's reforms?

• They excommunicated him

• They supported his reforms

• They declared his election illegitimate

• They ignored his reforms

How did the schism affect ordinary Catholics?

• It resulted in mass excommunications

• It led to a new religious movement

• It had little impact on their daily lives

• It caused widespread doctrinal splits

What was the primary reason for the cardinals' dissatisfaction with Pope Urban VI?

• His refusal to move to Avignon

• His lack of religious knowledge

• His attempts to limit their finances

• His foreign policy decisions

What was the result of the cardinals' decision to elect a new pope in 1409?

• The Avignon pope resigned

• The schism was resolved

• The number of popes increased to three

• The Roman pope was excommunicated

What was the main reason for the failure of the council called by the cardinals in 1409?

• Lack of participation from European rulers

• Both existing popes refused to recognize it

• The council was held in the wrong location

• The council was interrupted by a war

Which council finally resolved the Great Western Schism?

• Council of Trent

• Council of Avignon

• Council of Nicaea

• Council of Constance

What was the official stance of the Church regarding the true papal line after the schism?

• The Roman line was always the true papal power

• Both lines were equally legitimate

• The Avignon line was legitimate

• The third line was the true papal power

What does the existence of the schism demonstrate about the Church?

• It was immune to political struggles

• It was focused solely on spiritual matters

• It was prone to power struggles

• It was always united