Joëlle Rollo-Koster: Why were there three popes at the same time?

Why were there three popes at the same time?

For almost two millennia, the Pope has been a figure of supreme spiritual authority for Catholics around the world. But in the late 14th century, Catholics found themselves with not one, not two, but three popes. Where did this plethora of popes come from? And who among them was the genuine article? Joëlle Rollo-Koster shares the origins of this papal predicament. [Directed by Kaspar Jancis, narrated by Adrian Dannatt, music by Kaspar Jancis].

Centuries ago, a power struggle over papal authority erupted, leaving Catholics with not one but three competing popes. The conflict began when a French king clashed with the pope, sparking a series of disputed elections and the relocation of the papacy to Avignon. At one point, Roman mobs rioted, and cardinals elected rival leaders, fracturing Western Christendom for nearly four decades. The schism finally ended in 1417, but its legacy reveals how even spiritual leaders can become entangled in fierce political battles.