When Two Popes Ruled: A Look at Papal Rivalries Through History
Papal Rivalries have punctuated the history of the Catholic Church, turning the papacy from a solitary office into a contested arena. When the Roman pontiff’s authority was challenged by rival claimants, the resulting schisms rippled through politics, culture, and faith. In this article we trace the most consequential papal rivalries, examine how they unfolded, and consider their lasting legacy.
The Great Western Schism: A Divided Church (1378‑1417)
Arguably the most dramatic episode of papal rivalry, the Western Schism began when Pope Gregory XI returned from Avignon to Rome. His death left a council of cardinals split over the next pontiff. On one side, the Roman faction elected Urban VI; on the other, a group in Avignon named Clement VII. Both claimed legitimacy, creating a double pontificate that lasted nearly four decades. The schism intensified because:
- National politics pushed monarchs to support one claimant over the other.
- The papacy’s moral authority suffered as clergy and laypeople questioned which pope to obey.
- Economic strain mounted as Rome and Avignon demanded papal subsidies.
The schism finally ended at the Council of Constance, where the third pope, Gregory XII, was elected after the deaths of Urban VI and Clement VII. The council also condemned simony and sought to curb secular influence over papal elections.
Avignon Papacy: A Papacy in Exile (1309‑1377)
Before the schism, the papacy had already spent nearly seventy years in Avignon, France, under the influence of the French crown. The Avignon period set the stage for the later rivalry by demonstrating how external political powers could sway papal appointments. In 1377, the cardinals forced the papal court back to Rome, sparking the events that led to the Great Western Schism.
Modern Rivalries: The 20th‑Century Controversies
While the medieval era hosted the most blatant dual popes, 20th‑century controversies also tested papal unity. The most notable was the brief break between 1958 and 1962 when the Vatican and the Catholic Church in the Philippines held separate theological discussions. Though not a literal dual pontificate, the episode highlighted tensions over episcopal appointments and doctrinal direction, reinforcing the Church’s need for clear papal authority.
How Rivalries Shaped Church Governance
Papal rivalries forced reforms that tightened the mechanisms of papal elections. The 1059 decree Ubi periculum established the papal conclave, limiting the number of cardinals and imposing strict voting protocols. Later, the 1929 Lateran Treaty acknowledged the Vatican’s sovereignty, reducing external political interference and thereby curbing future rival claims.
Additionally, the schisms led to theological introspection. The Church began to emphasize the unity of the Church through the concept of a single, infallible magisterium. This doctrinal stance has become a cornerstone of modern Catholic identity.
Legacy: Lessons for the Church Today
Modern papal rivalries, though less frequent, still resonate. The lessons learned from past schisms—particularly the importance of transparent, collective decision-making—remain vital as the Church navigates contemporary challenges such as sexual abuse scandals, clergy shortages, and global evangelization strategies. Maintaining a united front is seen as essential for preserving the Church’s moral authority worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly was the Western Schism?
It was a period from 1378 to 1417 when two, later three, individuals simultaneously claimed to be the legitimate pope, dividing the Church into Roman, Avignon, and eventually Pavia factions.
Did papal rivalries ever involve more than two claimants?
Yes. The Western Schism eventually produced a third claimant, Pope Gregory XII, before the Council of Constance resolved the issue.
How did the Church prevent future schisms after the Western Schism?
Reforms such as the conclave system, stricter election protocols, and later the Lateran Treaty helped reduce secular influence and create a clearer path to papal legitimacy.
Are papal rivalries still possible in the modern era?
While the mechanisms in place make it highly unlikely, theological or administrative disagreements can still create tensions that the Church must manage carefully.