Popes v Kings

Since attackers like the Vikings were not Christian, they did not view Christian institutions like monasteries and churches as holy, hence, they were fair game to pillage. The pope depended on the king and his army for protection.

With hope to restore the power of the late Roman Empire, King Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day in 800. Charlemagne’s empire included all of modern France and stretched into Germany, Italy, Austria and Northern Spain.

Popes and kings disagreed about who should be able to appoint bishops (local church officials). King Henry IV asserted that since kings were chosen by God, they should be able to choose the bishop in their kingdom. Emperor Henry the IV said, “Our Lord Jesus Christ has called us to kingship, but has not called you to the priesthood...You who have not been called by God...*are suggesting that the king’s appointments should be rejected+.”

In 1073 King Henry IV selected a bishop that Pope Gregory VII did not like. The Pope excommunicated (cast out of the church) King Henry IV. Remember, Christians believe that if you die while excommunicated you will not go to heaven. Desperate, the King turned to his nobles for support, but they were also afraid. The King apologized and

asked for forgiveness. In fact, the king stood barefoot in the snow for three days before the Pope would even talk to him.

Pope Gregory VII thought popes should be able to appoint bishops (church officials). He said that kings did not have the power to choose holy leaders because they themselves were not holy. He said, “Who does not know that kings...derive their leadership from men who are ignorant of God. Kings raised themselves above other fellows through...every kind of crime...Does anyone doubt that priests...are considered as masters over kings?”

The Pope is viewed as God’s representative on earth. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, many people in Italy looked to popes as their leaders. As a result some popes lived much like royalty with lavish palaces.

The church and monasteries were the keepers of knowledge. Monks wrote and complied religious and other texts. Thus, some of the first universities were created by the church. As the top religious leader, the Pope often determined what would be taught. In addition to religion, universities also taught law, medicine and astronomy. Of course, the language of the church was Latin and since Latin was not the spoken

language, the church clergy had ultimate control over the information being taught.

Based on all 7 rounds, which would you say has most authority?