The Height of Papal Power (1054-1305)

2002-10-05

Popes dominate the kings during this era.

I. Gregory VII (1073-1085): Foundation of a Strong Papacy

A. Hildebrand as the power behind the papal throne

Laid foundations of a strong papacy. In college of cardinals under Leo IX. Hildebrand was a cardinal-deacon, in charge of papal finances. Under Nicholas II, Hildebrand completed the process, and elected pope in college of cardinal at this point. This eliminated role of king. Years before he was the pope, he was the power behind the scene.

B. Hildebrand as Gregory VII

His view was the Roman church was started by God. This church alone is to be called universal. No limit to the Pope’s power.

Struggle with Emperor Henry IV of the Holy Roman Empire. Situation: Office of archbishop of Milan was vacant. Need to appoint new archbishop. Henry IV chose a man to fill that position. Case of lay investiture. Preceding pope had chosen someone else to fill that position. Henry’s candidate was already excommunicated. Gregory VII took up the struggle, and called a synod that forbade lay investiture for church official appointment. Henry IV calls together a council of German nobles and rejected the pope’s authority. Gregory deposed and excommunicated him. Released Henry’s subjects from obeying him. Noble pressure, that he would get it right with the pope. Henry met Gregory at Canossa, Henry stayed in the snow barefoot three days so that the pope would see him. He was then released from his sentence. Later the struggle was renewed. He deposed and excommunicated him again, and supported a rival emperor. No one listened to pope this time. He came over the Alps with an army and got rid of this pope. Gregory fled the city and died in exile. “I had loved justice, and hated iniquity, therefore I died in exile” were Gregory’s last words. Lay investiture was not settled.

II. Innocent III (1198-1216): The Height of the Papacy.

A. His philosophy

He believed he was the vicar of Christ, substitute of Christ when He is not on earth. Civil rulers got their authority from the pope. Just as the moon gets its light from the sun, so does the ruler from the pope.

B. Struggles with Temporal Rulers

Phillip II Augustus of France. He divorced wife and married another. The wife appealed to the pope. The pope said he needed to take her back. Innocent put an interdict on France. Closed all the churches accept for Extreme Unction or baptism of infants. No Mass. No one could be buried on consecrated ground, preaching in open air. Excommunicated the whole country in a way. People of France accused king for them losing salvation. The king took back his wife.

King John of England, bad English King. Archbishop of Canterbury position was vacant, top church position in England. John chose a man to fill office, lay investiture. Innocent appointed another man. Pope excommunicates John and puts interdict on England. King forced to give in. John acknowledged he was a feudal vassal of the pope. Admitted Pope owns England. John had to pay a huge some of money every year to Rome.

Holy Roman Emperors. Innocent asserted to approve or disapprove the emperors that were chosen. He had to rely on the power of another country to support him, France. This was a problem for future popes.

C. Crusading zeal

Worst Crusade was the fourth. Turned aside from original purpose, to take Jerusalem from Turks, and attacked Constantinople. This was God’s way to gain back the Greek Orthodox Church.

Crusade against French heretics in 1208. Sent out crusade and practically exterminated them.

D. His church council

1215, 4th Lateran Council. 1) Made compulsory the annual confession to a priest. 2) Doctrine of Transubstantiation made official doctrine of the church. Outward form of bread and wine remains same, until it is within them. Not symbol, but a real change. Taking communion was essential for eternal life. If withholding this, then withholding salvation.

III. Boniface VIII (1294-1303): The Decline of the Papacy

A. The struggle over taxation of the clergy

Between the Innocent III and Boniface VIII, kings became more powerful and had their own armies. England and France were at war during this time. Both kings taxed the clergy to finance the war. Boniface issued Papal Bull, forbade clergy pay the taxes to secular government without his consent. King of France (Phillip IV) forbade transport of French money to Italy. King of England outlawed all clergy who did not pay taxes. Boniface VIII had to withdraw his statement.

Phillip IV the Fair. King of France had arrested a bishop for treason and other crimes. Boniface refused him to be tried at a secular court, but said he had to be brought to Rome. Phillip gathered the Estates General. Boniface issued another Papal Bull called Unam Sanctam. No salvation outside the Roman Catholic Church. The pope has spiritual and temporal authority above all men. Most extreme statements ever issued, and had no effect. Phillip had Boniface arrested. Later rescued from some of his friends, but died from shock and humiliation. National states had risen, and people more nationalistic. Kings and people refused to listen to the pope. Aftermath: Pope Clement V fell under complete control of France. Moved papacy to border of France.