How and why did the authority and prestige of the papacy decline in the fourteenth century?

Answer 1

the authority and prestige of the papacy declined because of economic instability and political uncertainty

Answer 2

In the fourteenth century, the authority and prestige of the papacy declined due to various factors such as the Avignon Papacy, also known as the Babylonian Captivity, where the popes resided in Avignon under the influence of the French monarchy, leading to a perception of corruption and political manipulation. The Great Schism further weakened papal authority, with multiple claimants to the papacy causing confusion and division among the faithful. Additionally, the Black Death and other crises of the time eroded confidence in the Church's ability to provide spiritual leadership.