The Great Western Schism was a split within the Catholic Church that lasted from 1378 to 1417. The schism was caused by a conflict between two papal claimants, one in Rome and the other in Avignon. The schism led to a decline in the authority of the papacy and a increase in the power of secular rulers.
The Great Western Schism also caused a decline in the power of the Catholic Church in Europe. The schism weakened the Church's authority and made it easier for secular rulers to challenge Church power. The schism also made it difficult for the Church to respond effectively to the problems of the time, such as the Hussite heresy.
The schism also had a negative impact on the Church's finances. The papacy was no longer able to collect revenues from all of Christendom, and this led to a decline in the Church's income. The schism also made it difficult for the Church to raise funds for its activities, such as missionary work.
The Great Western Schism was a significant threat to church power because it weakened the Church's authority, made it easier for secular rulers to challenge Church power, and had a negative impact on the Church's finances.
