<P> The Western Schism , also called Papal Schism , Great Occidential Schism and Schism of 1378 was a split within the Catholic Church lasting from 1378 to 1417 in which 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 . </P>
<P> The Western Schism , also called Papal Schism , Great Occidential Schism and Schism of 1378 was a split within the Catholic Church lasting from 1378 to 1417 in which 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 . </P>
when were there three popes at the same time
when were there three popes at the same time
from 1378 to 1417
from 1378 to 1417