Why were there three popes at the same time? - Joëlle Rollo-Koster

Dig into the history of the Papal Schism, which caused a split in the Catholic Church while 3 popes vied for supremacy.
--
For almost two millennia, the Pope has been a figure of supreme spiritual authority for Catholics around the world. But in the late 14th century, Catholics found themselves with not one, not two, but three popes. Where did this plethora of popes come from? And who among them was the genuine article? Joëlle Rollo-Koster shares the origins of this papal predicament.
Lesson by Joëlle Rollo-Koster, directed by Kaspar Jancis.
Support Our Non-Profit Mission
----------------------------------------------
Support us on Patreon: bit.ly/TEDEdPatreon
Check out our merch: bit.ly/TEDEDShop
----------------------------------------------
Connect With Us
----------------------------------------------
Sign up for our newsletter: bit.ly/TEDEdNewsletter
Follow us on Facebook: bit.ly/TEDEdFacebook
Find us on Twitter: bit.ly/TEDEdTwitter
Peep us on Instagram: bit.ly/TEDEdInstagram
----------------------------------------------
Keep Learning
----------------------------------------------
View full lesson: ed.ted.com/lessons/why-were-t...
Dig deeper with additional resources: ed.ted.com/lessons/why-were-t...
----------------------------------------------
Thank you so much to our patrons for your support! Without you this video would not be possible! Jose Arcadio Valdes Franco, Sebastiaan Vleugels, Karl Laius, JY Kang, Abhishek Goel, Heidi Stolt, Nicole Sund, Karlee Finch, Mario Mejia, Denise A Pitts, Doug Henry, Keven Webb, Mihai Sandu, Deepak Iyer, Javid Gozalov, Kyanta Yap, Rebecca Reineke, William Biersdorf, Patricia Alves Panagides, Yvette Mocete, Cyrus Garay, Samuel Barbas, LadyGeek, Marin Kovachev, Penelope Misquitta, Hans Peng, Gaurav Mathur, Erik Biemans, Tony, Michelle, Katie and Josh Pedretti, Hoai Nam Tran, Kack-Kyun Kim, Michael Braun-Boghos, zjweele13, Anna-Pitschna Kunz, Edla Paniguel, Thomas Mungavan, Jaron Blackburn, Venkat Venkatakrishnan, ReuniteKorea, Aaron Henson, Rohan Gupta, Begum Tutuncu, Brian Richards, Jørgen Østerpart, Tyron Jung, Carsten Tobehn, Katie Dean, Ezgi Yersu, Gerald Onyango and alessandra tasso.

[@Apero1Spritz]

The way of a story is told and illustrated is sometimes even more fascinating than the story itself.

[@gkjaerby2441]

Agreed!

[@ItsJericho]

❤

[@pedroneto5]

Someone should get a raise for illustrations.

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

Tbh, I didn't really follow the story but the animations were great

[@gkjaerby2441]

@@pedroneto5 yep.

[@sandygod]

These illustrations are unreal, the artists truly do an amazing job making the stories even more interesting

[@maxhill9254]

true!

[@megangibson5170]

I love how they always mimic the art style of whatever civilization they’re talking about.

[@Yummerrrrssssssssss2]

Agreed

[@keidot2.058]

I love that different videos are animated in different styles too

[@imnimbusy2885]

This specific one reminds me of DOUBLE KING - the music, the floating hands and the comedy.

[@kylenetherwood8734]

This was surprisingly civil. I thought there would be a war.

[@ElizabethUkeh]

Not everything was a war😅

[@PR0B4BLY_HUM4N]

​@@ElizabethUkeh A lot of history is war, though.

[@duckymomo7935]

@@ElizabethUkeh this isn't like the 30 years war - the popes were ralatively civil to each other but refused to concede to the other

[@sajdwajha]

There actually were conflicts and battles fought, but not directly by the popes. These were fought by the various countries that supported them. Really countries used the fact that since one side supported a different pope, they could justify their choice to go to war and not be excommunicated for fighting one another, as their pope was a "heretic". This schism laid the groundwork (along with the corruption/abuses of power of the papacy in general) for the protestant reformation that came after.

[@liliu5250]

Me too 😂

[@fakeskyler2305]

Really feels like I'm watching a medieval manuscript. The art and animation are beautiful - please, more like this!

[@fakeskyler2305]

@@sehajmeetsohal2397 No . . . just emulating the style of actual medieval manuscripts. Pentiment emulates that style, so does Inkulinati, and probably some other ones out there. It's a cool style but it's not owned by anyone

[@fakeskyler2305]

@@sehajmeetsohal2397 Very similar style was also used in the animated segments from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. And the characters move how you would expect a 2d book character to move. I don't think there's any real link besides being inspired by the same artstyle.

[@thomasecker9405]

Agreed! We see a lot of this three-quarter head turn in many medieval manuscripts and tapestries.

[@gorgon6680]

The animation style and artwork is stunning in this video

[@johnnyearp52]

I agree. I don't care that much about Popes but the art is interesting and imaginative!

[@powermaster9838]

The thumbnail is a Spider man meme

[@christopherbove1760]

Dr. Rollo-Koster was my professor for my first ever college class. She is absolutely brilliant, and I’m so glad to see her work featured here!

[@shiven513]

Me too! it's really amazing.

[@TheWchurchill4pm]

@christopherbove1760 Any interesting stories from class?

[@jakobthorpe8233]

Same here!

[@yxx_chris_xxy]

Must have been a wild ride with someone called Rollo-Koster.

[@ThatTeleseryeGirl]

As a Catholic, I thank Ted-Ed for this. Church History is long, wild and complicated.

[@jigsaw2253]

Catholics are not Christians though

[@bobbymoss6160]

Yes, like a fairytale.

[@duckymomo7935]

thats why I cant take the doctrine of the papacy seriously, papacy ends if the papal line cannot trace their roots to St Peter nvm that apostolic succession is not even for papacy

[@niccolopaganini1782]

@@bobbymoss6160 yeah you can put it that way, very interesting and fascinating. 😄

[@opwave79]

Fellow Catholic here. It’s important to learn the Church history for sure. Every aspect of it.

[@frostincubus4045]

Love this medieval art-style animation! Ted-Ed never disappoints

[@artiemanable]

Using medieval style of painting to make this video was one of the best artistic decisions this channel made in a very long time. Adding some Gregorian Chant was also a nice touch!

[@janmichaelcjamisola]

I am digging this Pythonesque animation, it really fits the subject matter!

[@gorgon6680]

This was well said

[@SlowToe]

❤

[@RealUlrichLeland]

I just hope their animator didn't die of a heart attack

[@jmsaffroy]

And there was much rejoicing.

[@Juan-ps3gg]

@@RealUlrichLeland And the Lord did grin

[@sahlahanifa8402]

i had to watch this twice because the first time i was too enamoured by the amazing visual storytelling. the football game with death, the "almighty hand from above" which turned out to be controlled by the cardinals, slurping others' pasta, soooo creative

[@robynbrowne1277]

it was the death and the music players for me

[@rlznns]

I took a silence moment just to admire the beauty of the illustration, animation, and the sfx.

[@kevin8712]

I like how they put the execution of Jan Hus at 4:59-5:09. Nice touch, TED-Ed. Nice touch indeed.

[@brunocostamonteiro1117]

The illustrators should be awarded for this! Amazing work of art, history and clever humor. Congratulations

[@Inky_101]

Nice Ted Ed used a meme in the thumbnail

[@caindain2179]

I KNOW AND ITS GREAT

[@blazer9547]

They did the thing

[@svenandersen]

I was thought no one gonna noticed it

[@ichibear4395]

Spidah men

[@jarekwrzosek2048]

Speaking of medieval Papacy shennanigans, You should also portray the conflict between the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor, and their supporters: Guelphs and Ghibelines.

[@margomez7074]

The style for the animation is so obvious yet wonderfully executed. Love this!

[@jacobvanderhoeven1008]

This is gorgeous video. The animators truly deserve a bonus for the magnificant artwork. One thing I think should have been added though, is that the Great Schism corresponded with the Hundred Years War between England and France (England of course, supported Rome, and France Avignon). Though this war did not take on a religious tinge, it did provide an interesting focal point for politics with English allies supporting Rome and France's allies Avignon. Lastly, the video says that this schism did not effect average Catholics. While it is correct that there were no major doctrinal differences, the schism did contribute to a growing apathy towards the Church and rise in popular piety. Amazing video.

[@veramae4098]

... then, Luther.

[@auwanho]

I hope that in a few hundred years people dig up KZbin and saw this video and say that this is the art of the time.

[@yuuko5ichihara]

This is one of the most beautiful animated ted-ed videos, very interesting too , and I love the medieval touch❤

[@yourroyalchungusness]

I like the fact that Ted-Ed used the medieval artstyle to this video even though this event took place in the late medieval age and hats off to Buzasi, Dementeva & Shmidt for drawing and animating this masterpiece

[@lindseyw5449]

I so appreciate the time and effort that go into the illustration and lesson! What a fun and different way to learn :) it always reinvests me into learning various topics they discuss ❤ keep up the hard work, we love it!

[@JoseLuis-rj9kq]

The animation, the chroma, the timing. Everything in this video is sublime and beautiful.

[@jessicawang4632]

I love the medieval style, but the little floating hands made this video. Thank you Ted-Ed for another wonderful work.

[@harishankergopakumar8324]

This is probably The BEST Animated Work of TED ever !!!🔥🔥🔥

[@battlesheep2552]

There are two competing -standards- popes. -Engineers- Cardinals: "lets create a new -standard- pope to unite everything" There are three competing -standards- popes.

[@johnbuhrmanfegan]

Here for the Spider-Man meme thumbnail

[@nickzardiashvili624]

The follow up video you suggested at the end, I must say, I did not expect that!

[@hanve]

The way it's presented and the animation 😍😍😍❤️❤️

[@y_wintersnow]

"...even those who are supposed to be pious are prone to petty power struggles." Man, that is deep.

[@opwave79]

I’m indulging in medieval history since I brainlessly never thought to take a class in it during college. It’s fascinating to me. Also, this video production top notch stuff.

[@ebonymaw8457]

Needless toss of money if it's not related to your degree anyways. You can learn everything they would have taught yourself, as you are doing!

[@alalalala57]

​@@ebonymaw8457 Only as an amateur tho. Not where the cutting-edge conversations on the topics are happening.

[@joannadziedzinska1337]

Using danse macabre trope in this video is like a cherry on the top of awesomeness. So creative!

[@skwagwok4097]

My favorite bit of animation at 1:54 😂😂😂 stunning work and storytelling TED-Ed!

[@sherlynandria4894]

I was searching for this comment 😂😂

[@mariustan9275]

My respect for Ted ed has increase exponentially for that meme in the thumbnail.

[@queenj.a.3311]

I love how the art style matches the time period of the video

[@bozumoyo3277]

MOREE, we need a whole series of history done like this thank you!! 💯✨

[@dylanfoto4356]

MOREEEEEE!!!!

[@gamechip06]

I love the spiderman reference in the thumbnail

[@sgsm424]

Absolutely loved the narrator and the illustrations😍

[@ST0AT]

This entire episode reads like a Monty Python skit, and I love it

[@jessicajayes8326]

Alright folks, get ready for the next Pope Fight!

[@jerseygirlinatl7701]

OSP represent!

[@marcobuncit7539]

@@jerseygirlinatl7701 with ERB rap battles of 3 of them.

[@jessicajayes8326]

@@jerseygirlinatl7701 That's right!

[@innocentlyjaded]

I was looking for these specific words in the comments. OSP represent, indeed!

[@djb903]

This illustration was amazing!!!!

[@jhalak5452]

The thumbnail is where the iconic *Office Gun-pointing* meme originated 😂

[@malafanai1357]

Like always, Ted ed has successfully inculcated knowledge and information for us💗

[@BeaverChainsaw]

Monty python aesthetic and Spider-Man pointing as cherry on top, well done!

[@Basta11]

I’m plentifully pleased by the presentation of this perplexing papal predicament.

[@jahidtanvir]

"But regardless of how the schism ended, its existence proves that even those who are supposed to be pious are prone to petty power struggles." Truth at the end.

[@kubdep]

The alliteration in this episode is just top notch

[@kurax9115]

The animations are top notch again thanks

[@wse4428]

the art in the video is AMAZING. kudos to the hardworking creators!

[@SN-sz7kw]

Brilliant animation. Thank you. 😊

[@hannahdawg6829]

I can just hear Blue chanting "POPE FIGHT POPE FIGHT POPE FIGHT!" in the background XD

[@rgnyc]

Terrific explanation! (Also very entertaining graphics!)

[@rayhem]

animation is incredible. give them a raise!!

[@mankytoes]

If you are a pretender to the papacy you're known as the Antipope which is the coolest title out there.

[@robertfaler1947]

By the same logic, we should call Trump the Antipresident.

[@razi_man]

I guess they're made of antimatter.

[@makanathanao01]

King: * kills the old pope* Singers: *gasps* Meh whatever Singers: *continues to sing*

[@pisces2569]

1:52 i never thought I needed a skeleton and a pope holding hands and dancing but here I am watching this video a second time just for this.

[@BallotBoxer]

Absolutely perfect mix of animation, script, and narration.

[@rakaswara_vyatrantra]

1:22 good ilustration I Always appreciate and respect to this animators

[@byjordi2185]

As someone coming from the region of Constance I really like the story around the council

[@deleozremson5403]

As usual, superb narration and illustration! ❤

[@Imperiused]

The art and animation in this video is superb!!

[@jjmac83]

The illustrations are beautiful!

[@esteb6544]

Ahh the illustration is amazing!

[@medardbitangimana4580]

This has to be in top 10 among most interesting ted ed videos ever 🤣😅. Kudos to the filmmakers

[@Frimpa-MJEB]

I never thought I would one day witness Popes playing football

[@macmedia1000]

Great job with the style

[@kubikkuratko188]

Love the detail of the burning of Jan Hus.

[@bluestivy9975]

The animation is spectacular. Wow

[@magicalwatermelon5147]

Clement VII: hey, I’m the pope now, not you. Urban VI: lalalalah I can’t hear you, too busy doing Pope stuff

[@SowerOfMustardSeed]

As a devout Catholic, I enjoyed this video. Nicely done. But to be clear, the Catholic Church has always had only one pope at a time as far as the office goes. The others are considered as anti-popes, or in Benedict XIV’s case, he was Pope Emeritus (a title, not the office) upon abdication.

[@alalalala57]

The anti-pope is whoever your faction doesn't support lol.

[@ironkraken7157]

@@alalalala57 its almost as if its all made up.

[@HodgePodgeVids1]

@@ironkraken7157 lazy thinking

[@ironkraken7157]

@@HodgePodgeVids1 lazy comment

[@HodgePodgeVids1]

@@ironkraken7157 Yea, but it’s not made up. The fact there is a unbroken chain of successors from Francis to Peter is testament to that. Fake anti popes claiming to be the bishop of Rome does not negate the real chosen successor.

[@MuddieRain]

“Where would Catholicism be without the popes” Oscar Nunez

[@marcobuncit7539]

"Well, you got us the brainy discussing over liturgy & stuffs." --probably John Calvin ---

[@Nightinggale98]

Top notch animation and presentation -!!!!

[@ramkumarm8957]

the music in this episode is sooo fun

[@barbarak2836]

I just love the jester and the monk playing it! This video was delightful. I have studied this in school, but this was the best I have ever understood it, while being entertained at the same time.

[@sammyy1105]

Beautiful art style!❤

[@sandradermark8463]

I am from the Castellón Province and I have been more than once to the castle of Pope Benedict XIII, Papa Luna, in Peñíscola; we say of a stubborn person that they "sigue en sus trece;" they stay in their thirteen, after his papal number.

[@udhaybalamurali8901]

The Vivid evolution of human story telling and illustration in unmatchable! One of real success for our tribes

[@GanesaAudrey]

The little sounds the tiny pope makes near the end. So cute and hilarious. lol

[@helenebazblack]

gorgeous art style!

[@mecahhannah]

Awesome as always thanks

[@mmcooe]

How to make videos with such art. Simply stunning!

[@Phartonium]

Excellent illustrations!

[@pedroaugusto656]

one of the best ted animations ever . who did it.

[@israelm87]

Devout Catholic here. Thanks Ted Ed for this

[@cuber9320]

Fine animation skills on this one and the art is beautiful!

[@marijntaal1531]

Beautiful animation!

[@writethatdown100]

The animation in this video is really fun to watch

[@carlocumino824]

The Raid with Bonifaciis is very from in Italy, especially becasue a noble roman allied with Philp slapped the Pope when he was in his palace in Agnagni. We commonly called those episode as "Slap of Angagni"

[@robertstone9150]

Great animation and a great depiction of nothing like a good old pope fight.

[@phylosophersstoned43]

the animation is just awesome

[@vlara9139]

I love the animation! It's great!

[@workingstudentera]

Whoever did the animation made an amazing job!!! Bravo.

[@uniwasamistake6334]

Now this the PvP I was waiting for!

[@deepanshchaudhary5094]

Awesome illustration!!

[@bradleyogilvie8869]

Sounds like a POPE FIGHT!

[@Moon-li9ki]

fun fact, in ancient Rome, the highest religious office was that of the Pontifex Maximus. That title survived for over 2000 years, as popes still retain Pontifex Maximus as one of their official titles. Julius Caesar was pontifex maximus before he died, meaning that besides being dictator of Rome, he was also the pope

[@UniDocs_Mahapushpa_Cyavana]

Isn’t the Pope normally the dictator of Rome 😜?

[@_jpg]

J.C. definitely wasn't a pope. The Romans in his time still had their "own" pantheon copied by the Greek and others ^^'

[@whitebeans7292]

Pope is a different title. Pontifex Maximus just means "ultimate bridge-builder" as priests are supposed to be the bridge between the earthly and the spiritual. Is Xi Jinping the President of the United States just because he uses the word President after George Washington used it?

[@matthewona]

The animation is SUPERB.

[@lark613]

I hope the animators are being paid well! This is so entertaining to watch

[@jlshel42]

Kept waiting for someone to say “And now for something completely different.”

[@chrispypats]

Top notch animation 👌🏼

[@paulussultanto6394]

can someone tell me what's the name of flute song ?