Challenges to Church PowerReading pgs. 271-273

The Babylonian Captivity (1309 - 1377)The Great Schism (1378 – 1417)The Council of Constance (1414)

“Think about how you would have felt as a common Christian in Europe during this time.”“Would this have effected your view of your religion?”

“Babylonian Captivity” (1309-1377)Just as the Israelites were exiled to Babylon in 568 BCThe Pope moved from Rome to Avignon, France in 1309.

The next 6 Popes were French and were controlled by the king of France!

“The Palace of the Popes”, Avignon France.

The Great Schism (Split) – 1378 - 1417In 1377 the French Pope moved back to Rome, but French Cardinals elected another French Pope. During this 40 year period, Italian Cardinals elected Italian Popes and French Cardinals elected French Popes.There even was a third Pope for awhile!

1414 – The Council of Constance

Finally, in 1414, church leaders met in Constance, Germany and kicked out the two Popes.

They elected a single Pope and tried to make a plan to reform the Catholic church.

The “second” Pope to resign in 500 years.

If you were a Christian in Europe during this time, would any of this have effected your view of your Church, or your religion or you religious leaders?

Now, let’s see how you can answer these questions

1.Explain the Babylonian Captivity (1307-1377)6 Popes were all French and lived in France (held

“captive”), not in Rome.

2.During the “Great Schism” (1378-1417) what happened?The Catholic Church was SPLIT (“schism”) between 2-3 Popes. The main two Popes were in Avignon, France and Rome, Italy.

3. What happened at the Council of Constance (1414)?Both Popes were kicked out and a new Pope elected, who

would reside in Rome from now on.