Problems and Challenges of Late Middle Age Christendom
French King (Philip the Fair) convinces Pope to move to Avignon Popes concentrated on administrative (not spiritual) matters Lived a life of luxury
Gregory XI returns the Church to Rome Death leads to the election of an Italian, Urban VI Heavy-handed ways leads to a revolt by cardinals.
Cardinals elect Clement VII (French) & excommunicate Urban VI Clement sets up in Avignon; Urban remains in Rome
Allied with ClementAllied with Urban France Scotland Aragon Castile Portugal England Holy Roman Empire (loose) Italian city-states (move to Clement)
The Schism confused lay people Opened the Church up to criticism Weakened its hold on the people
William of Occam Marsiglio of Padua John Wyclif Jan Hus
Both argue ◦ Separation of church and state ◦ Pope should have limited powers ◦ Church take a back-seat to state Conciliarists ◦ Power in hands of council, not pope alone
Bible was the ultimate authority; not pope Translated Bible to English “Lollards” spread ideas and Bibles
Criticized indulgences Preached in Czech language in Bohemia Increased Czech nationalism, forced a separation from Catholic church
Attempt to heal schism Elect a new pope, but other two do not leave ◦ Three popes!!!!
Meet to: ◦ End schism ◦ Reform church ◦ End heresy Execute Hus End schism by electing new pope (Martin V)
Confraternities ◦ Groups of lay people who took on the functions of the church Mysticism ◦ Intense religious feelings ◦ Visions, “experiencing God”, the Holy Spirit, “Born Again”