The schism within the Catholic Church was caused by the Great Schism, Investiture Controversy, and internal power struggles and corruption within the church.
The schism within the Catholic Church was primarily caused by the Great Schism, a period lasting from 1378 to 1417, where the Catholic Christian world had two or even three rival popes claiming papal authority.
Another contributing factor was the Investiture Controversy, a conflict between the papacy and secular rulers over the appointment of Church officials, highlighting the struggle for power and control within the Church.
Additionally, internal power struggles, corruption, and abuse of power by popes and cardinals led to a weakened reputation of the papacy, prompting questions about the church's piety and integrity.
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