Tripli-Pope

One of my favorite events in history is the Papal Schism.

In 1378, the Pope died. The College of Cardinals elected another one. They quickly decided that they didn't like this new Pope, so they announced that he wasn't a real Pope, electing another one to stand in his place.

The first Pope didn't care for this, and had no intention of giving up his position. Two Popes each held spiritual dominion over half of Europe, both excommunicating the other half of the continent. The College of Cardinals decided that both Popes should resign, and another one should be elected.

Unfortunately for the Catholic church, neither Pope backed down, and the College of Cardinals elected their new Pope anyway. The world had three Popes at once.

Really, what could be better than that? How totally crazy. The most amazing part is that despite all the ridiculous stuff in its history, the Catholic church is till one of the most powerful institutions in the world.