Difficult Times in the Church - 9th through 16th Centuries

What happened to the Church in the East? In our previous lesson - Religious World in the Ninth Century: Summary - Gene talked about the great progress and growth of the Church in the East, but soon war and persecution precipitated catastrophe.

Corruption in the Papacy. "Pope Joan", there was a widespread belief during these centuries that there was a female Pope in the 9th century. This tale was believed as fact even as late as the 16th century. It is possible the consistent corruption within the Papacy was one reason belief there had been a female Pope persisted.

Finally, during this time there were many splits in the church. These splits often were political but also doctrinal.