THE GREAT SCHISM OF THE WEST [1378-1417 A.D.]
1378 The Romans urge the election of a Roman pope; under this pressure the cardinals choose Bartolommeo Prignani, Urban VI. The French cardinals immediately band against him, and, withdrawing to Fondi, pronounce the election invalid and elect Robert of Geneva, Clement VII. Germany, England, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, and Italy (except Naples) support Urban. France, Naples, Scotland, Savoy, Lorraine, and the Spanish kingdoms support Clement. Urban resides at Rome; Clement, at Avignon. Urban excommunicates Clement. Wycliffe attacks the papal primacy.
1379 War between the two popes. Bloodshed and strife in Italy. Defeat of Clement’s forces in Urban’s crusade against Naples. St. Angelo surrenders. Clement retreats to Avignon.
1380 Joanna I of Naples attempts to poison Urban, who allies himself with Hungary. Charles of Durazzo reaches Rome on his way to Naples.
1381 Conquest of Naples by Charles of Durazzo and the Hungarians. He takes the throne.
1383 Urban VI goes to Naples, which Louis of Anjou, adopted by Joanna, has invaded. Urban obtains many advantages there for himself and family.
1384 Hostilities arise between Urban and Charles, owing to the former’s arrogance. Louis dies, and his forces are dispersed.
1385 Charles induces several cardinals to plot against Urban. They are seized and tortured. Urban excommunicates Charles, who ignores the bull. Siege and capture of Nocera by Charles’ army. Urban flees to Genoa. Charles goes to Hungary, leaving Naples to his son, Ladislaus.
1386 Urban orders the imprisoned cardinals (except one) put to death. The doge of Venice compels Urban to leave Genoa; he goes to Lucca.