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How did the Avignon papacy contribute to the Western Schism?

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Boniface VIII Miniature of Pope Boniface VIII from *Vaticinia de Pontificibus* (an index of prophecies of the popes), c. 14th century; in the British Library, London.

The Avignon papacy (1309–1377) contributed to the Western Schism by severely damaging the prestige of the papacy and fostering deep-seated political and national divisions within the church.1

The residency at Avignon was widely perceived as a French-dominated "Babylonian Captivity," which generated significant antagonism in England and Germany. When Gregory XI finally returned the Curia to Rome in 1377, the administrative personnel remained largely southern French, creating friction with the Roman populace and the Sacred College of Cardinals.12

Following Gregory's death in 1378, the election of Urban VI was intended to appease Romans demanding an end to French control. However, Urban’s harsh reform efforts alienated the French cardinals, who subsequently fled Rome, declared his election invalid due to fear, and elected the antipope Clement VII. Clement’s return to Avignon solidified the split, dividing the church along national lines for nearly 40 years and fueling the rise of conciliarism.32