For almost two millennia, the Pope has been a figure of supreme spiritual authority for Catholics around the world. But in the late 14th century, Catholics found themselves with not one, not two, but three popes. Where did this plethora of popes come from? And who among them was the genuine article? Joëlle Rollo-Koster shares the origins of this papal predicament. [Directed by Kaspar Jancis, narrated by Adrian Dannatt, music by Kaspar Jancis].

Joëlle Rollo-Koster: Why were there three popes at the same time?

Why were there three popes at the same time?

In 1309, the papacy's move to Avignon sparked a schism, dividing Christendom with dual papal claims, igniting political discord.

The chaotic 1378 papal election in Rome, pressured by local mobs, spurred the schism's growth, eventually leading to three popes.

The Council of Constance (1417) resolved the schism by uniting Christendom under Pope Martin V, ending 39 years of division.