<P> The Western Schism or Papal Schism was a split within the Catholic Church which lasted from 1378 to 1417 . Three men simultaneously claimed to be the true pope . Driven by politics rather than any theological disagreement, the schism was ended by the Council of Constance (1414--1418). For a time these rival claims to the papal throne damaged the reputation of the office . The affair is sometimes referred to as the Great Schism, although this term is typically reserved for the East--West Schism (1054) between the Western Churches answering to the See of Rome and the Orthodox Churches of the East . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (June 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table>

How many popes were there during the great schism