Albigensian Heresy A sect that believed ALL material things (including human body) were bad –Strict minority group called themselves “The perfect ones” Group increased in size because ppl saw the corruption and wealth among Christian clergy and monks in southern France Tolerated by church for 50 years

Action taken Pope Innocent III sent mendicants (begging monks) to preach and set example of a poor, holy lifestyle –Unsuccessful A heretic assassinated one of Pope’s representatives, so a military crusade was called –Not entirely successful b/c people went underground

The Inquisition Heresy disrupted stability that one religious belief provided to countries in Europe –Ppl were viewed as traitors Civil gov’t would prosecute and punish heretics until up to 1150 Local bishops then ran inquisitions –Investigated ppl’s beliefs –Civil authorities punished those found guilty

Papal Inquisition Pope Gregory IX ran an inquisition from Rome beginning in 1232 Purpose –Find out who was a heretic –Persuade them to give up their heresy Church officials from Rome traveled to hold inquisitions (mainly in S France, N Italy, parts of Spain)

Inquisition Hearing Church officials called on known heretics to confess sins and accept penance Public invited to report suspected heretics –2 witnesses (secret) were sufficient to make a charge –Some accused people falsely Trials took place before an inquisitor (representative from Rome) Severe punishment was result of a refusal to give up beliefs