# Western Schism begins (1378)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/1378-western-schism-begins
Location: Rome and Avignon
Themes: Schism

Rival popes in Rome and Avignon divide Latin Christendom for four decades. At this point in the timeline (1378), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Urban VI (8 April 1378 – 15 October 1389). His claim was contested by Antipope Clement VII.

## Why it matters
Western Schism begins mattered because it changed the boundaries of communion between Christian churches, divisions that still shape Christianity today.

Pope at the time: [Pope Urban VI](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-urban-vi)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Western Schism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Schism)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Western Schism begins](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Western+Schism+begins)
- [Wikipedia — Medieval Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church#Middle_Ages)