What period does the Babylonian Captivity of the Church refer to?

The Babylonian Captivity of the Church refers specifically to the period from 1309 to 1377 when the papacy was relocated to Avignon, France. During this time, seven consecutive popes ruled from Avignon rather than Rome, significantly impacting the Church’s authority and its relationship with Italy and the broader Christian community. This era is characterized by a perception of diminished papal authority in Rome and has been likened to the biblical Babylonian Exile, where the center of religious power was far from its traditional roots.

The other options do not align with this significant historical event. The periods in these choices either precede the Babylonian Captivity or involve different aspects of Church history. Thus, the timeframe of 1309 to 1377 is critical to understanding the political and spiritual dynamics of the Church during this era.