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The medieval popes regarded themselves as the highest power in Europe. Depending on circumstances, they claimed to be the temporal equal of the Holy Roman Emperor, but at other times, greater than the emperor or beholden to him. The pope was generally the wealthiest man in Europe and many of the medieval and Rennaisance popes like to live a lifestyle that reflected this.

The cardinals were the next rank in the Church hierarchy and considered themselves 'princes of the Church', once again living in extravagent luxury, like princes or petty kings.

If we wish to compare the Catholic Church hierarchy to the hierarchy of the secular feudal system, then the bishops and abbots certainly fitted in as the equivalent of the feudal lords. They often held huge landholdings, just like ordinary barons, and demanded subservience from all around them.

Priests and monks could perhaps be compared to the knights of old. In fact, some of them were warrior priests, especially during and after the Crusades.

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Is the Pope considered a king in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church?

No, the Pope is not considered a king in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. The Pope is the head of the Church and is considered the spiritual leader, but he does not hold a political title like a king.


Who controlled the western Europe during the dark ages?

The Roman Catholic Church.


Which institution grew stronger even after the fall of western roman empire?

Roman institutions eventually collapsed. The institution which survived and grew stronger was the Latin Church, which later came to be called the Roman Catholic Church.


How did interest in ancient text lead to demand for church reformation?

The Protestant Reformation began as an attempt to reform the Roman Catholic Church, carried out by Western European Catholics who opposed what they perceived as false doctrines and ecclesiastic malpractice - especially the teaching and the sale of indulgences or the abuses thereof, and simony, the selling and buying of clerical offices - that the reformers saw as evidence of the systemic corruption of the Church's Roman hierarchy, which included the Pope. Both issues were dealt with in an altogether different manner by the Roman Catholic Church during the Counter-Reformation.


What did vassals have to do with the church?

The relationship between a vassal and the church was the same as the relationship between any other secular person and the church. The vassal was part of the feudal hierarchy, and the church had a separate hierarchy.

Related Questions

How does the Catholic church in California stand on Proposition 8?

The hierarchy of the Catholic Church in California supported Proposition 8.


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Who is the leader of the Church hierarchy - pope or priest?

The pope is the leader of the catholic Church on earth.


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Roman Catholic AnswerThe Catholic Church is sometimes known as the Western Church to distinguish it from the Eastern Orthodox Church.


How is the western Church similar to Catholic Church?

.Catholic AnswerThey are similar in being pretty much the same thing, except that the Catholic Church also includes the Eastern Rites. The Western or Latin Rite is the largest and dominant Rite in the Church.


What is the structure and organization of the Catholic Church hierarchy as depicted in a diagram?

The Catholic Church hierarchy is structured in a pyramid-like form, with the Pope at the top, followed by cardinals, bishops, priests, and deacons. This hierarchy is depicted in a diagram with the Pope at the apex, followed by the College of Cardinals, then bishops, priests, and deacons at the base.


What did the western church become known as after 1054?

The western church became known as the Roman Catholic Church after the Great Schism of 1054. This schism divided Christianity into two branches: the Western Church, led by the Pope in Rome, and the Eastern Church, known as the Orthodox Church, headed by the Patriarchs of Constantinople.


How powerful was the catholic church before the reformation?

Very powerful. The Catholic Church was the dominant influence on western civilization.


What is the structure and organization of the Catholic Church, as depicted in the Catholic hierarchy chart?

The Catholic Church is structured hierarchically, with the Pope at the top, followed by cardinals, bishops, priests, and deacons. This hierarchy chart shows the levels of authority and responsibility within the Church, with the Pope being the highest authority and bishops overseeing specific regions or dioceses. This structure helps to maintain order and unity within the Church.


City where western church was centered?

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Is a bishop considered higher in rank than a priest in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church?

Yes, a bishop is considered higher in rank than a priest in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. Bishops have authority over priests and are responsible for overseeing multiple parishes within a specific region.


What is the structure of the Catholic Church hierarchy and how does it impact decision-making within the church?

The Catholic Church hierarchy is structured with the Pope at the top, followed by cardinals, bishops, priests, and deacons. The hierarchy impacts decision-making by giving higher-ranking officials more authority and influence in shaping church policies and doctrines. The Pope has the final say on major decisions, but input from lower-ranking clergy is also considered.