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The Western Schism or Papal Schism was a split within the Catholic Church lasting from 1378 to 1417 in which 3 men simultaneously claimed to be the true pope. Driven by politics rather than any theological disagreement, the schism was ended by the Council of Constance (1414 – 1418). For a time these rival claims to the papal throne damaged the reputation of the office.
The map above shows support for Avignon (red) and Rome (blue) during the Western Schism; this breakdown is accurate until the Council of Pisa (1409).
