Part 5 The Role of the Catholic Church Medieval Ages Part 5 The Role of the Catholic Church
Hierarchy in the Catholic Church Pope – unquestioned spiritual leader, delegate of authority Cardinals Bishops Monks – simple and dedicated to making sure the faith reached the masses Priests – in charge of local parishes Hierarchy in the Catholic Church
The Cathedral Decades and centuries to construct Glorified God and the church Brought growth and prosperity to nearby villages Bold outline and silhouette seen reaching into God’s heavens from miles away Represents Church’s authority The Cathedral
Cathedrals
The Catholic Cathedral
The Monastery – Where the monks live Stress piety Pray 8 hours a day Copy manuscripts by hand Work in the fields Clean the monastery Teach Help in the hospital
Influence of the Catholic Church Primary civilizing force in medieval society Provided leadership Missionaries converted barbarians to Christianity Unifying force throughout Europe (different rulers…but the same God) monks saved significant knowledge from previous civilizations Introduced Roman ideals of government and justice Influence of the Catholic Church
Government Duties – collect taxes 10% tithe, run courts, punish criminals, make laws Educational Duties – reading & writing of Latin taught by monks, established schools, recopied historical manuscripts Hospital – attached to many monasteries to care for sick Inn – guest houses for travelers Role of the Church
The Great Schism 1054 A.D. Catholic Church splits Eastern Orthodox Vs. Roman Catholic
Church Becomes Corrupt Loyalty divided between spiritual and economic duties Bishops and monks took on role of vassals Fiefs were awarded to wealthy church members Spiritual discipline declined Leadership in community declined Became corrupt and lost influence. Church Becomes Corrupt