Great Schism and Babylonian Captivity - Vocabulary flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to the Great Schism, Babylonian Captivity, Avignon Papacy, and figures Urban VI and Clement VII as discussed in the lecture notes.

Great Schism

A split in the Catholic Church where two popes claimed authority at the same time—one in Rome and one in Avignon—leading to European political and religious division.

Babylonian Captivity of the Papacy

The period when the papacy relocated to Avignon, causing a decline in its spiritual prestige and a shift in its aims.

Avignon Papacy

The era during which the popes resided in Avignon, France, as opposed to Rome, which weakened Rome’s authority.

Urban VI

Pope elected in 1378 who was a reformer and capable administrator; attacked the clergy and threatened to excommunicate bishops and cardinals who challenged his authority.

Clement VII

The pope elected by cardinals in Avignon after Urban VI’s election was deemed invalid, contributing to the Great Schism.

Excommunication

Formal exclusion from participating in the sacraments and church community; Urban VI threatened to excommunicate bishops and cardinals who challenged him.

European alignments during the Great Schism

During the Schism, Europeans aligned with either the Roman papacy (Rome) or the Avignon papacy (Avignon) for political as well as spiritual reasons.

Return to Rome (1377)

A pope brought the papal court back to Rome, ending the Avignon/Babylonian captivity and restoring Rome’s central role.