Antipope (Noun)
Meaning
Someone who is elected pope in opposition to another person who is held to be canonically elected; "the antipopes resided in Avignon during the Great Schism".
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The antipope was excommunicated by the legitimate pope, further dividing the Catholic Church.
- During the Western Schism, multiple antipopes emerged, each claiming to be the rightful leader of the Church.
- The antipope's election was widely disputed, and many countries refused to recognize his authority.
- Historians have long debated the legitimacy of the antipope who ruled from Avignon during the 14th century.
- The Catholic Church has traditionally viewed antipopes as usurpers who undermine the authority of the true pope.