The main cause of the Great Schism within the Christian Church, which officially occurred in 1054, was a combination of theological differences and political tensions between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. Disagreements over the authority of the Pope, the insertion of the "Filioque" clause into the Nicene Creed, and divergent practices, such as the use of leavened versus unleavened bread, contributed to the schism. The resulting division had profound implications, establishing distinct traditions and authority structures that continue to influence Christianity today, along with ongoing relations and dialogues between the two branches.