Robert of Geneva took the name Clement VII in the rival election of 1378. Regarded as an antipope, he led one of the two obediences of the Western Schism from Avignon.
Robert of Geneva and the election of 1378
Portrait of the antipope Clement VII by Henri Serrur — Palais des Papes, AvignonAfter Gregory XI’s death, some cardinals disputed the election of Urban VI in Rome. They elected Robert of Geneva at Fondi on 20 September 1378. He took the name Clement VII, leaving two competing papal authorities facing one another.
A court established in Avignon
Clement VII established himself in Avignon in 1379 and received support notably from France. Allegiances were divided between Rome and Avignon according to kingdoms and alliances. This added diplomatic and financial tensions to a Europe already marked by war.
A schism that outlasted him
Urban VI’s death in 1389 did not end the division: his cardinals elected Boniface IX. Clement VII died in Avignon on 16 September 1394 without reuniting the two obediences. Benedict XIII succeeded him in Avignon. This Clement VII of the Western Schism is distinct from the Renaissance pope of the same name.
Continue with the Palais des Papes and the history of the Avignon papacy.