Pope Gregory XI took decisive action by issuing five papal bulls denouncing the teachings of John Wycliffe, an influential English theologian whose ideas gained notable traction within the Catholic Church and among the laity. Wycliffe, who advocated for a return to the scriptures as the ultimate authority and criticized the corruption of Church leaders, attracted a following that challenged the Church's traditional doctrines. His belief in the importance of scripture being accessible to all, particularly through translations into the vernacular, was particularly contentious and posed a direct challenge to the Church's control over religious interpretation and practice.

Wycliffe's teachings argued against the wealth and power of the clerical hierarchy, which resonated with many believers seeking reform. The papal bulls identified Wycliffe's doctrines as heretical and ordered his followers to refrain from spreading his ideas. This was part of a broader movement within the Church to assert its authority and quell dissent during a time when the rise of nationalism and monarchial power was challenging papal influence. Gregory XI's issuance of the bulls emphasized the urgency with which the papacy sought to address what it viewed as a burgeoning threat to its theological and institutional integrity.

The reaction to these bulls was mixed. While it reaffirmed the papal stance against heresy, it also highlighted the growing rift between emerging reformist sentiments and entrenched ecclesiastical authority. The issues raised by Wycliffe would not only echo through the subsequent centuries, culminating in the Protestant Reformation, but also laid the groundwork for critical examination of Church practices and doctrines. The historical significance of this moment lies in its foreshadowing of larger movements that would redefine Christianity in Europe, pushing the boundaries of religious belief and practice beyond the strict confines of the established Church.