The period of great change for the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages is generally considered to be the
Late Middle Ages (roughly 1300-1500). This period saw significant challenges to the Church's authority, prestige, and internal structure.
Here's why:
* The Avignon Papacy (1309-1376): The papacy moved from Rome to Avignon in France, leading to accusations of French influence and a decline in papal prestige. Many saw the popes in Avignon as being beholden to the French monarchy.
* The Western Schism (1378-1417): Following the return of the papacy to Rome, two (and later three) rival popes claimed legitimacy. This severely damaged the Church's credibility and created deep divisions within Christendom.
* Rise of Heretical Movements: Movements like the Lollards (England) led by John Wycliffe and the Hussites (Bohemia) led by Jan Hus challenged papal authority and traditional Church doctrines.
* The Black Death (mid-14th century): The devastating plague had a profound impact on society, including the Church. The Church was blamed for not preventing the plague and its clergy were seen as ineffective. The massive death toll also led to questions about faith and the Church's ability to offer solace.
* Growing Anticlericalism: Widespread criticism of clerical corruption, wealth, and perceived abuse of power increased. People questioned the moral authority of the clergy.
* The Renaissance: The Renaissance's focus on humanism and classical learning challenged the Church's intellectual dominance. People started to value reason and individual inquiry.
* The Conciliar Movement: This movement advocated for Church councils to have authority over the pope, seeking to address the problems of the Schism and reform the Church. While ultimately unsuccessful in making councils supreme, it showed the desire for reform from within.
All these factors combined to create a period of significant upheaval and transformation within the Catholic Church in the Late Middle Ages, setting the stage for the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.