13.4-The Power of the Church

The Church and their Authority Church very powerful institution Charlemagne (800 AD)-Church to be influential in spiritual and political affairs Gelasius-Church holds spiritual sword, emperor political sword Although nice idea, did not work-constant power struggles between Church and European rulers

Structure of Church Power based on status in church Pope in Rome in charge of all clergy (religious officials) Bishops supervised priests Bishops settled disputes over Church teaching and practice For most, local priest was main contact with Church

Religion as a Unifying Force Feudalism and the manor system created major divides Shared beliefs of teachings of Church bonded people together Provided relief in a life of struggle and warfare By following sacraments and believing in Christianity- everyone could reach heaven

Law of the Church Created a set of spiritual beliefs but also system to guide people’s conduct People subject to canon/church law in everyday lives Excommunication-banishment from the Church-used by pope to get kings to listen to him Interdict-sacraments and religious services could not be performed in the king’s land

Otto I and the Church Most effective ruler of medieval Germany was Otto I Formed a close alliance with Church Gained support of bishops and abbots and defeated German princes Also invaded Italy on the pope’s behalf Pope rewarded him by crowning him emperor

Signs of Future Conflicts Otto I created Holy Roman Empire- strongest state in Europe from 962- 1100 AD Popes and Italian nobles resented German power over Italy Very upset over practice of lay investiture where kings and nobles were appointed as Church officials Banned by Pope Gregory VII in 1075 German emperor Henry IV called for Gregory to step down Gregory excommunicated Henry

Showdown at Canossa German bishops and princes sided with the pope-Henry tried to get forgiveness Went to Canossa to beg Pope for forgiveness Pope kept Henry waiting in snow for 3 days before ending excommunication Solved nothing-pope humiliated Henry

Concordat of Worms Gregory and Henry as well as their successors fought over lay investiture until 1122 Met at German city of Worms- and reached compromise Church alone could appoint a bishop but emperor could veto the appointment German princes regained some power

Frederick I 1152-German princes realized need a strong ruler to keep the peace Chose Frederick I (Barbarossa) Dominated German princes When he left the land, disorder returned Invaded rich Italian cities which resulted in Italian merchants and the pope unifying against him (the Lombard League) Italians beat Frederick who was forced to make peace with the Pope Defeat undermined his authority and empire fell to pieces upon his death

German States Remain Separate German kings after Frederick tried to revive Charlemagne's empire and alliance with the Church Led to wars and clashes with the pope Also have weakening of royal authority by German princes electing the king German rulers controlled fewer and fewer land German feudal lands did not unify during this time