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Chapter 13 – The Rise of the Middle Ages The Catholic Church The Story continues… During the Feudalist Middle Ages the Catholic church was one of the few sources of stability and leadership that people could rely on. Map of Medieval Europe The Catholic Church’s Influence The medieval Catholic church had broad political powers because Europe used the feudalist political system so its central governments were weak. The Catholic church’s power extended across kingdoms and through every social and political level from king to peasant. The Catholic Church Hierarchy The church was organized according to a strict hierarchy of rank. Pope Cardinal Archbishop Bishop Parish Priest The Pope and the Cardinals The pope held the supreme authority in the Catholic church. The cardinals (princes of the Catholic church) advised the pope on legal and spiritual matters. The Archbishop and Bishop An archbishop supervised a group of bishops in their archdiocese. A bishop managed a group of parishes called a diocese. Nobles chose the bishops and many bishops were feudal lords or vassals. The Parish Priest The parish priest held the lowest rank in church hierarchy but was one of most important leaders. The parish priest directly served people in his parish. He was responsible for the religious instruction, And moral and spiritual life of his community Monasticism The medieval church was made up of two types of clergy. 1) Secular clergy 2) Regular clergy Monks - monasteries Nuns – converts Adopted the Benedictine Rule – rules created by Saint Benedict to govern monks’ lives. The Church and Medieval Life The Christian clergy played a major role in medieval institutions and everyday life. The church also enjoyed great political, economic, and social influence across much of Europe. Political Role Many popes claimed that the church held political as well as spiritual power over all monarchs. Canon law – was the church’s own code of law Could excommunicate Could issue an interdict – close region’s churches (no marriages, burials or sacraments could be performed). Used interdict to turn people against their rulers who opposed church power and authority. Political role cont’d.. The church didn’t allow anyone to question the basic principles of the Christian religion. IF YOU DID, you were labeled a Heretic – people who didn’t believe in the church’s teachings or who preached beliefs that were not approved by the church. Economic and social role The church had the power to tax its people a tithe. The family was a sacred institution so divorce was forbidden. The clergy took care of the poor and needy. Problems of the church Church’s biggest problems: 1) Investiture – the practice of a noble appointing a friend or relative to be a bishop. 2) Simony – people buying high positions with the church hierarchy 3) Reform – this led to the Inquisition – search for heretics – by the Dominicans. Problems for the Church These practices would eventually corrupt the Catholic Church & would allow people to create & accept other Christian religions during the Protestant Reformation.