How did the Catholic Church end up with three competing popes simultaneously?

Why were there three popes at the same time? - Joëlle Rollo-Koster · 6:13 · Video: TED-Ed · Watch at the source

In short: In the late 14th century, the Catholic Church faced an unprecedented crisis of authority. This video explores the origins of the Papal Schism, a period where three different men claimed the title of Pope, leaving followers to question who held the true spiritual mandate.

For nearly two millennia, the papacy served as the singular source of supreme spiritual authority for Catholics globally. However, the late 14th century disrupted this tradition, leading to a chaotic division within the Church. The Papal Schism saw three individuals vying for supremacy at the same time, creating a complex predicament regarding the legitimacy of the office.

This historical conflict forces a deeper look at how institutional power can fracture. By examining the origins of this split, the narrative clarifies how the Church navigated this internal struggle for control and the confusion it caused among the faithful.

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