Medieval Europe

Medieval disputes over control of the church resulted in an impermanent moving of the papacy to Avignon, France in the 14th century. Several popes ruled from there in a court notorious for its corruption and extravagance. During the Great Schism, at least two popes claimed authority over the Catholic Church. It is important to note that the corruption exemplified by this era resulted in religious movements like the Lollards of England and the Hussites of Bohemia, both of which preceded the Protestant Reformation. The church’s power was weakening and the medieval order was collapsing. By 1517, Luther had posted his 95 Theses.