Question

How did the political power of the Catholic Church change between the papacies of Pope Gregory VII and Pope Innocent III?

A) It increased, as the church gained more influence over secular rulers.
B) It decreased, with a decline in the church's involvement in political affairs.
C) It remained constant, with no significant changes in political power.
D) It fluctuated, with periods of increased and decreased influence.

Answer 1

The political power of the Catholic Church increased between the papacies of Pope Gregory VII and Pope Innocent III, as the church gained more influence over secular rulers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The political power of the Catholic Church changed significantly between the papacies of Pope Gregory VII and Pope Innocent III.

During the papacy of Pope Gregory VII, the power of the Catholic Church increased as it gained more influence over secular rulers. Pope Gregory VII banned the practice of simony, which allowed church officials to be appointed by kings who took bribes. This led to a conflict with Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV, which resulted in Gregory excommunicating him and declaring his rule illegitimate.

On the other hand, during the papacy of Pope Innocent III, the power of the Catholic Church reached its peak. Pope Innocent III asserted the authority of the papacy and intervened in political and religious affairs across Europe. He claimed supremacy over secular rulers and launched crusades to expand the influence of the Church. Therefore, the correct answer is A) It increased, as the church gained more influence over secular rulers.