What was the Avignon Papacy ,and why did it occur? What effect did it have on the state of the papacy? What relation does it have to the Great Schism? How did the Church become dived and how was it reunited? why was the Conciliar Movement a setback for the papacy?
Check these sites for your answers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avignon_Papacy
http://faculty.ucc.edu/egh-damerow/avignon_papacy.htm
http://www.christianchronicler.com/history1/avignon_papacy.html
The Avignon Papacy, also known as the Babylonian Captivity, refers to the period from 1309 to 1377 when the popes resided in Avignon, France instead of Rome. This relocation occurred due to several factors.
Firstly, it was a consequence of political turmoil and conflicts within the Italian city-states, particularly Rome. The papacy, seeking stability and protection, aligned itself with the French crown and accepted an invitation from the French king to establish its residence in Avignon.
Secondly, Avignon provided a more favorable environment for the popes, as they could enjoy the support and influence of the French monarchy and be free from the political machinations of the Italian city-states.
The Avignon Papacy had significant effects on the state of the papacy. It brought about a period of centralized control and financial prosperity for the Church. However, it also resulted in increased corruption, nepotism, and immorality within the papal court, which led to criticism and a loss of respect for the papacy among the general population.
The Avignon Papacy is closely related to the Great Schism, which refers to the division of the Roman Catholic Church from 1378 to 1417. The schism was sparked by the election of opposing popes by different factions of cardinals. This division was largely a result of the tensions and rivalries between Italian and French cardinals, as well as the dissatisfaction with the corruption and abuses within the papacy during the Avignon Papacy. At one point, there were even multiple popes claiming authority at the same time, leading to confusion and a loss of credibility for the papacy.
The schism was ultimately resolved through the efforts of the Conciliar Movement. This movement advocated for the power of church councils to depose or elect popes, rather than relying solely on the authority of the pope. The Councils of Pisa (1409), Constance (1414-1418), and Basel (1431-1449) played crucial roles in reuniting the Church by deposing multiple popes and electing a new pope. The Council of Constance, in particular, elected Pope Martin V in 1417, effectively ending the schism and reestablishing the authority of a single pope.
However, the Conciliar Movement was also seen as a setback for the papacy. By granting significant power to church councils, which were composed of clergy and laity, it challenged the traditional hierarchical structure of the Church and undermined the authority of the pope. This shift of power contributed to a decline in the papacy's autonomy and influence, as the councils often clashed with the pope and attempted to assert their own authority.
In summary, the Avignon Papacy was a period when the popes resided in Avignon, France due to political instability in Italy. It resulted in centralized control and financial prosperity for the Church but also brought corruption and a loss of respect. The Avignon Papacy led to the Great Schism, a division of the Church, which was later resolved through the Conciliar Movement. However, the movement also challenged the papacy's authority, leading to a decline in its influence.