Need for Church Reform
In the early 900’s the Church faced many problems.
Some leading families in Italy saw the Papacy as a political prize.
They plotted and even committed murder to get relatives named as Pope.
The Church had lost control over the appointment of bishops.
Bishops were appointed by Kings and lords.
They were selected for political reasons instead for the devotion to Church duties.
Need for Church Reform
Spiritual values declined among the clergy.
Many priest and monks showed more interest in wealth and pleasures than in the Church’s work.
Conflict between Pope and Emperor
Most determined supporter of reform Pope Gregory
Pope’s mission to build a Christian church society on earth
Declared that the emperor’s duty was to obey the Pope
This led to a struggle between Gregory and Henry IV.
Struggle over Authority
Struggle over who appointed the bishops
Gregory says only the church can name the bishops
Henry IV disagrees
Henry writes a letter saying that Gregory was “now not Pope but false monk.”
What does that mean??
The Pope can’t tell him what to do!
What does Gregory Do?
Excommunicates Henry!
So how does this affect Germany?
Frees the German nobles who say that Henry is no longer King . They can take over
Now What, Henry?
Journey to Canossa Henry begs for
forgiveness. Stands in the snow
barefoot for 3 days until Gregory forgives him.
**Concordat of Worms**
Church and Henry reach a compromise
*Henry gave up the right to appoint bishops , but keeps the right to grant lands and political power to the bishops.
Renewed Conflict
Concordat of Worms recognized the church as the supreme authority in spiritual matters.
Did not answer the questions of who had political power.
Still Fighting!!
Pope continues to claim that kings and emperors should answer to the Pope.
Emperors reject these claims and try to capture the northern Italian city-states.
Frederick Barbarossa
Frederick makes 6 expeditions into Italy.
The Italian city-states resist Frederick.
These attacks further weaken the Emperors authority.
Papal Power
Papal power reaches its height under **Innocent III.
He stated that the pope was “lower than God but higher than man, judges all and is judged by no one”
Pope has the right to intervene in the affairs of any kingdom.
Objectives
Describe how power struggles and rivalry in Italy affected popes and emperors.
Kept things in constant chaos. Pope generally won.
Key terms
Concordat of Worms Emperor can give bishops a fief/ the
church gets to appoint the bishops.