The Role of the Medieval Catholic Church

• What was the Catholic Church’s role in daily life?

• Describe the church hierarchy• Why was the church powerful in Medieval

Europe?• Why did conflict arise between the Catholic

Church and the monarchies?

Essential Questions

Why the Roman Catholic Church?• The Great Schism –

– Central part of the Church was (and is) located in Rome, Italy

– As the Byzantine Empire grew stronger – the emperor of the Byzantines often disagreed with the pope.• Issues: Who had the most religious

power? Pope or Emperor?

• In 730 Byzantine Emperor Leo III was excommunicated from the church for banning icons

• By 1054 The Byzantine Empire created it’s own church: The Eastern Orthodox

Roman Catholic• Services are conducted in Latin

or local languages• The pop has authority over all

other bishops• The pope claims authority over

all kings and emperors• Priests may not marry

Eastern Orthodox• Services are conducted in

Greek or other local languages

• The patriarch and other bishops head the church as a group

• The emperor claims authority over all religious matters

• Priests may be married

Similarities:• They base their faith on the

gospel of Jesus and the Bible• They use sacraments such as

baptism• Their religious leaders are

bishops and priests• They seek to convert people

Why the Roman Catholic Church?

• During the 11th-15th European monarchies were increasing in power

• The Church and monarchies were trying to centralize political and religious power

• Most powerful institution in Europe – – Took the place of powerful

governments that once existed (Rome)

– Most people in Europe practiced Christianity

– Superstitions and tradition (God will punish you)

The Church’s Role in Society• Services – provide people with

sacraments (baptism, etc.) religious ceremonies in which a member of the church received the grace of God

• Monasteries – places where religious followers called monks and nuns practiced a life of prayer and worship. They also studied Christian works and copied the Bible

• Political Roles – strong ties to Europe’s nobility – local princes were often bishops – Many church officials helped run

monarch’s kingdoms

The Church’s Role in Society• Education –

– Religious Orders – • A group of people who live by

rules specific to their order – separate themselves from society to focus on prayer – Made up of Monks, Nuns, and Friars– Ex. Franciscan Friars –

mendicant (traveled to preach the word of God, owned nothing, and primarily lived by begging)

• Universities – Cathedrals became the center of education and power for bishops– As cities grew cathedrals

expanded into universities– Taught Greek and Roman

philosophy

Important FiguresFrancis of Assisi • Founder of the Franciscan religious

order in the 1200’s• Asked followers to live in poverty and

serve as teachers, healers, and friends to all living things

• Saint

Thomas Aquinas• Scholar began studying the texts of Aristotle

• Argued that classical philosophy could exist in harmony with Christian faith

Conflict Arises

• As monarchies grew stronger they choose to cooperate with the Church….however…

• In the 11th century the relationship was tested– Pope Gregory VII and

Emperor Henry – Holy Roman Empire

– Lay Investiture

• Tension continues for centries

Answer the Essential Questions..

• What was the Catholic Church’s role in daily life? • Describe the church hierarchy

• Why was the church powerful in Medieval Europe?

• Why did conflict arise between the Catholic Church and the monarchies?