Final answer:
The three major factors that set the stage for the Great Schism were the Avignon Papacy, the Western Schism, and the Conciliar Movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three major factors that set the stage for the Great Schism were:
- The Avignon Papacy: The period when the papacy moved from Rome to Avignon, France, from 1309 to 1377. This led to a loss of prestige and reputation for the papacy, as it was seen as being controlled by French kings.
- The Western Schism: The period from 1378 to 1417 when there were rival claimants to the papal throne, resulting in multiple popes. This caused confusion and weakened the authority of the papacy.
- The Conciliar Movement: The movement that emerged during the Great Schism, advocating for church reform through the authority of councils rather than popes. This challenged the traditional authority of the papacy.