I am considering conversion to this fine branch of Christianity, and I have a historical, doctrinal question concerning it.
In the Great Schism of the western church in 1378, started when the King of France imprisoned Pope Gregory XI, who died from the shock soon after. The king installed a false pope in Avignon, France. This started the Babylonian Captivity of the Papacy. Many false popes appeared all over the place before the schism was finally resolved in 1417 with the Council of Constance.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Schism
My question: How has this disastrous, embarrassing episode for the Church affected the lineage of the popes, as they are supposed to be descendants of St. Peter, according to the Petrine Doctrine.
My guess would be not at all. But I am wondering what the official take on this is.