Antipope Link

The history of antipopes spans over a millennium, from the early church to the mid-15th century.

: This was the most famous era for antipopes (1378–1417), during which the church was split between rival popes in Rome and Avignon, France. At one point, there were even three simultaneous claimants. Why They Arose Antipopes typically came to power for one of three reasons:

: Secular rulers often installed their own candidates to gain political leverage. antipope

While the era of major antipopes ended in the 15th century, the term still appears in contemporary contexts:

: Internal church disagreements over theology or discipline sometimes led to the election of a rival. The history of antipopes spans over a millennium,

: Saint Hippolytus of Rome is generally cited as the first, reigning in opposition to Pope Callixtus I starting in A.D. 217.

: Felix V (1439–1449) is widely considered the last significant historical antipope. Why They Arose Antipopes typically came to power

: The term is also found in literature, such as Robert Rankin’s fantasy novel The Antipope .

Antipope Link


The history of antipopes spans over a millennium, from the early church to the mid-15th century.

: This was the most famous era for antipopes (1378–1417), during which the church was split between rival popes in Rome and Avignon, France. At one point, there were even three simultaneous claimants. Why They Arose Antipopes typically came to power for one of three reasons:

: Secular rulers often installed their own candidates to gain political leverage.

While the era of major antipopes ended in the 15th century, the term still appears in contemporary contexts:

: Internal church disagreements over theology or discipline sometimes led to the election of a rival.

: Saint Hippolytus of Rome is generally cited as the first, reigning in opposition to Pope Callixtus I starting in A.D. 217.

: Felix V (1439–1449) is widely considered the last significant historical antipope.

: The term is also found in literature, such as Robert Rankin’s fantasy novel The Antipope .