What was the Great Schism?

The Great Schism, particularly referring to the one that occurred in the late 14th century, is best understood as a significant event in which multiple claimants to the papacy emerged, leading to a divide within the Catholic Church itself. This schism is often highlighted by the existence of three different popes at one point, each supported by different political factions and nations. The confusion and divisions among followers, as well as the political machinations of monarchs seeking influence over the papacy, contributed to this crisis in the Church, significantly impacting its authority and unity.

While the split of the Catholic Church is a pivotal aspect of this event, it is the conflict among the various popes that is central to the definition of the Great Schism itself. The existence of these competing figures created a state of uncertainty for the faithful regarding who was the legitimate leader of the Church. This not only undermined the Church's cohesive influence but also set the stage for further reformative movements, eventually leading into the Protestant Reformation. The other options do not encapsulate the specific nature of the power struggle inherent in the Great Schism.