Final answer:
The effects of the Great Schism included the pope's permanent residence in France, questioning the need for one church, weakened church power and influence, and declined city populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Great Schism had several effects on the church and people in Western Europe:
- France became the permanent home of the pope: During the Great Schism, there were two competing Papal Courts, one in Rome and a rival in Avignon. The French rulers and aristocratic French cardinals supported the Avignon Popes, leading to them spending several decades in Avignon, France.
- People questioned the need for only one church: The Great Schism created a major split within Christianity, with the Western Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. This division made people question the idea of having only one church and opened up discussions about different interpretations of Christianity.
- The church's power and influence became weaker: The Great Schism and its aftermath damaged the papacy's reputation and led many to question the church's authority and integrity. This weakened the overall power and influence of the church in Western Europe.
- The population of cities declined: As people moved away from the church's influence and power, the population of cities, which were often centers of religious activities, declined.