The Church still has the same power and influence over its flock as it had in the beginning.
Secular AnswerPerceptions change over time. The fact is, as told by those in the church, who have left the church, and objective historians, personal apathy, dissatisfaction, and changing priorities have reduced the power and influence of the Catholic Church.
The decline began perhaps as a result of the waves of plague that rolled through medieval Europe, or the Enlightenment period of the 18th century. Maybe it has been the nearly constant wars of the past three hundred years.
The East-West Schism, and the Western Schism, weakened the power and influence of the Catholic church. The Western Schism began in 1378 and lasted until 1417.
Protestant Reformation
the power of the catholic church was weakened
The power of the Catholic Church in Europe was weakened.
Roman Catholic AnswerThe question, as asked, makes no sense, as the Church is the Mystical Body of Christ, and, obviously, can not be "weakened" as it is guaranteed by God and guided by the Holy Spirit.
The Catholic Church was stripped of most of its wealth and influence.
He did not establish the Roman Catholic Church. He established the Church of England. He wanted to be both head of state and of the Church. The pope, the head of the Catholic church had a lot of power and influence, and he wanted that power Also, he wanted a annulment of his marriage that the pope wouldn't give him. So he made a new church.
The Protestant Reformation culminated in the Thirty Years' War, which ended in 1648 with the Peace of Westphalia, a treaty that effectively ended the political power of the Pope throughout Europe. It allowed states to choose their own religion between Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism, and Calvinism.
The Church's huge land holdings (A+)
Cardinal Richelieu.
Weakened power of the church, increased power of the king, 1/3 population died, Fuedalism was weakened.
The Church's huge land holdings (A+)
Satan has always tried to influence the Catholic Church by tempting those in power to sin. His main goal is the destruction of the Church and he will not cease from trying until he either succeeds or the end of time arrives. However, Our Lord has clearly stated that "the gates of Hell will not prevail."