History: Great Schism

1377- After determining that a decline in papal authority was due, at least in part, to an Avignon Papacy , Pope Gregory XI returned the seat of papal power to Rome. Unfortunately, in 1378 Gregory died, resulting in a new struggle for papal power. Many Roman cardinals feared that the powerful enclave of French cardinals would elect another French pope who would reestablish the Avignon Papacy. The Roman Cardinals threatened the French cardinals with death if they did so, and the Italian archbishop of Bari was elected and anointed Pope Urban~VI. However, the victory was temporary since five months later the French cardinals declared the election improper. The French cardinals elected Clement VII, a Frenchman to resume the Avignon Papacy and the resulting power struggle is known as the Great Schism. The division of the Papacy caused great turbulence in the Catholic church, damaged the faith of the believers, and resulted in increased taxes and corruption. Eventually the Papacy returned to Rome, but not before much damage was done to the church.