Antipope -

: Secular rulers often installed their own candidates to gain political leverage.

: The term is also found in literature, such as Robert Rankin’s fantasy novel The Antipope . antipope

An is a person who claims or exercises the office of Bishop of Rome and leader of the Catholic Church in opposition to the canonically elected pope . Historically, antipopes emerged during periods of ecclesiastical or political turmoil, often supported by rival church factions or secular rulers like kings and emperors who sought control over the papacy. Key Historical Facts : Secular rulers often installed their own candidates

While the era of major antipopes ended in the 15th century, the term still appears in contemporary contexts: antipope