The Great Western Schism, which lasted from 1378 to 1417, had a significant impact on the Catholic Church by causing a division in allegiance and undermining its authority. During this period, multiple claimants (the Antipope Clement VII and Pope Urban VI) were recognized as legitimate popes, leading to confusion among the faithful and weakening the church's position. This schism exposed the political struggles within the church and highlighted the need for reform. Ultimately, it culminated in the Council of Constance, which resolved the schism and elected a single pope, emphasizing the importance of unity in the church and reshaping its governance in subsequent centuries.