when did the catholic church have 3 popes
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 two, since 1410 even 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.