From 1309 to 1376, there was a period of time where the popes were relocated to Avignon called the Babylonian Captivity, which reformed and decreased the church’s power and prestige at that time. It started when Philip the Fair of France pressured Pope Clement V to settle and live in Avignon (in southeastern France), and due to Clements illness, he was too weak to resist the demand. This relocation of the Pope not only damaged papal prestige, but weakened the economy of Rome. The historic roots of the church had always been centered on Rome. Now with the absence of the papacy, the economy of Rome which was once based on the presence of the papal court and the rich tourist trade that papacy brought was left poverty-stricken. In 1377,
The conciliar movement was an effort to reform church authority from that of the papacy to general councils and representation of all Christian people. Conciliarists believed that church reform would best be achieved through periodic assemblies and general councils that gave each Christian the power to speak out in their opinion, rather than a monarchial power making all of the decisions for them. They believed that the Pope did hold some power over them, however his power was derived from the authority of the entire Christian community. Famous reformists such as Marsiglio and Wyclif held their opinions in the form of writings and promoted popularity in the conciliar movement. A series of councils and meetings were held in order to end the chaos which was weakening the Christian peopleâ
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