<P> The Western Schism or Papal Schism was a split within the Catholic Church which lasted from 1378 to 1417 . Three 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 affair is sometimes referred to as the Great Schism , although this term is typically reserved for the East -- West Schism ( 1054 ) between the Western Churches answering to the See of Rome and the Orthodox Churches of the East . </P>
<P> The Western Schism or Papal Schism was a split within the Catholic Church which lasted from 1378 to 1417 . Three 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 affair is sometimes referred to as the Great Schism , although this term is typically reserved for the East -- West Schism ( 1054 ) between the Western Churches answering to the See of Rome and the Orthodox Churches of the East . </P>
how many popes were there during the great schism
how many popes were there during the great schism
Three
Three