1. Roman Catholic Church in Europe

2. Objectives  Understand the role of the Church in Europe during the Middle Ages  Understand the roles of the Church leaders  Understand the economic and political power of the church

3. Roman Catholic Church  During the Middle Ages, nearly all people in Western Europe were Roman Catholic.  The Roman Catholic Church had so much influence that it was simply referred to as “the Church”.  The Church was the one unifying institution in Europe during the Middle Ages.

4. Roman Catholicism and Christianity  Catholic = Christian

5. Promise of Happiness  Many people were serfs and peasants  The Church offered them hope of a reward after death  By working hard in this life, people were told they would be rewarded after they died

6. Leaders of the Church  Pope - Leader of Roman Catholic Church  Cardinals - Appointed “government” of Church  Archbishop - In charge of making sure Bishops follow rules  Bishop - In charge of a “diocese”  Priest - In charge of individual churches

7. Economic Power  The Church gained great wealth by collecting taxes.  The Church took fiefs from lords in exchange for services performed by clergy.  The Church was the single largest owner of land in Europe during the Middle Ages.

8. Political Power  Due to religious and economic power, the Church was able to gain political power.  The Church took on many roles that the government performs today.  The Church created laws and set up courts to enforce the laws.  The Church used its power to limit feudal warfare, declare periods of truce and temporary peace.

9. Excommunication  Excommunication means being expelled from membership in the Church and participation in Church life.  People who did not obey the laws were threatened with being excommunicated.  Few people would associate with someone who had been excommunicated.