Did the conflict with kings strengthen or weaken Medieval popes?

Answer 1

The conflict was called the Investiture Controversy- who had the authority to name bishops and abbots. The pope stated that only he could appoint them but some secular leaders stated that they, alone, could could appoint bishops and abbots in their kingdoms. The Concordat of Worms in 1122 settled the question (somewhat, there were still future controversies) by giving the pope authority to name Church officials but with input from secular leaders. Whether it weaken or strengthened the popes is really dependent on what year it was, which ruler, and which pope. Some popes greatly strengthened the papacy over this, while others not so much. There have been 266 popes in 2,000 years, and the issue was all over the map throughout the medieval period.

Answer 2

The only crusade that was successful was the First Crusade which not only accomplished its goals, but also established the Knights Templar and the Knights of St. John. Later Crusades had little effect. Ultimately, the Crusades, although most of them were called by popes, were founded by countries and individual princes. They did not ultimately affect the papacy one way or the other, and themselves became meaningless when the protestant revolt tore all nations out of the Catholic Christian influence.