Role of the Church

POPES

• Popes in the middle ages were a central figure for power and influence.
• The popes made promise of redemption of sin
• The Pope was the most influencial man in the world

Simony

• one pays for a position in the church
• Bishops sold these positions

Lay Investiture

• This practice put kings in charge of church bishops
• Whoever controlled lay investiture had power in naming bishops

Conflict between Church & State

• Church reformers felt bishops should not be under power of any king
• Pope Gregory VII and Emperor Henry IV had a dispute over lay investiture
• Henry punished Nobles that had rebelled against him

Church Architecture

• Thick walls with tiny windows
• Heavy roofs with tall pillars
• Gothic and Romanesque style