Background to the Great Schism: the Roman Catholic Church
I can describe the reasons for religious reform in the Roman Catholic Church during the 11th century and the impact it had.
Background to the Great Schism: the Roman Catholic Church
I can describe the reasons for religious reform in the Roman Catholic Church during the 11th century and the impact it had.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Roman Catholic Church was led by the pope, who was based in Rome.
- There was a movement to reform the Church in the 11th century.
- Pope Leo IX was an important reforming pope.
- The reforms increased the authority and improved the perception of the Church.
- Pope Leo IX's reforms were continued by later popes.
Keywords
Church - the Church is the organisation of the Christian religion
Pope - the pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church
Clergy - the clergy are the group of religious officials who are authorised to conduct religious ceremonies
Reform - to reform something means to change something with a view to making it better
Common misconception
Catholic priests have never been allowed to get married.
Catholic priests today are not allowed to get married, but in the past a great many were, even though it went against their rules. Some popes even had wives and children!
To help you plan your year 7 history lesson on: Background to the Great Schism: the Roman Catholic Church, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 history lesson on: Background to the Great Schism: the Roman Catholic Church, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the The Christian Church: how completely did the Great Schism transform Christendom? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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