Great Schism

American  

noun

1. a period of division in the Roman Catholic Church, 1378–1417, over papal succession, during which there were two, or sometimes three, claimants to the papal office.

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Great Schism British  

noun

1. the breach between the Eastern and Western churches, usually dated from 1054

2. the division within the Roman Catholic Church from 1378 to 1429, during which rival popes reigned at Rome and Avignon

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Example Sentences

Sure, go ahead and ask us to believe that John Wick’s lineage stretches back to Beowulf, the Battle of Hastings and the Great Schism.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2025

In recognition, for the first time since the Great Schism of 1054, the Patriarch of Constantinople attended the installation of a new Bishop of Rome.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2025

The Great Schism of 1054 split Christianity between the Western church, loyal to the pope in Rome, and the Eastern church in Constantinople.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2022

Christianity split into the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches in 1054 in what is referred to as the Great Schism, and for centuries relations were rocky.

From Reuters • Dec. 1, 2021

In 1414-18 a Council of the whole church was held at Constance to settle the Great Schism.

From A Short History of the World by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)