Rise and Decline of the Church Papal Power

Rise and Decline of the Church

Papal Power • Popes had been in charge of Church as well as Central Italy (Papal States) • Also involved in Feudal System • Higher ranking Nobles were becoming Bishops – and not spiritual people

Papal Reform • Gregory VII wanted to be free from Secular interference in religious appointments • Convinced that Popes authority extended over Christian world • If rulers did not allow Pope to appoint at his will he would remove rulers

Henry IV of Germany • Clashed with Gregory VII over appointments of Bishops • Henry used bishops as members of his government – couldn’t allow change • Investiture Controversy • Concordant of Worms – compromise where Pope appointed but King would get commitment

Church Supreme • • • Innocent III Papal authority = Sun Royal authority = Moon Pope is supreme in all European Affairs Excerised power by giving interdict – withholding sacraments

Franciscans & Dominicans • New religious orders • Franciscans – abandon all worldly goods – lived among the people begging – missionary work • Dominicans – mission to defend the church from heresy – new religions order was best to fight heresy

Inquisition • Court to find and try heretics • Dominicans became forerunners in this • Confessors would be forced perform public penance • No confession but still “guilty” were executed • This was seen as the only way to save souls

Sacraments • Sacraments were central importance to ordinary people as a way of receiving God’s grace • Only clergy could administer • Clergy powerful

Saints • People looked to saints for protection • Mary – most revered • Relics – bones of saints or other things they used believed to be holy

Decline of Church Power • • Struggle between French and Italy French King Philip IV – wanted to tax clergy Pope said no! Philip refuses to accept Pope’s authority Philip gets a French Pope elected Pope moves from Rome to Avignon 1305 -1377 Eventually moves back

Great Schism • Period of two popes – one in Avignon one in Rome • Each Pope declares other anti-Christ • Divided Europe • All popes resign • Mutually approved Pope selected

Loss of Political Power • Schism damages the Pope’s power • Pope loses most authority over royalty

Test Will Not Cover • 100 Years War and after in the book • Map quiz will be Friday!