How did the crusades effect of power of the pope?

Answer 1

The Crusades significantly enhanced the power of the pope, as they were framed as holy wars sanctioned by the Church, which positioned the pope as a central figure in Christendom. The mobilization of European knights and commoners under papal authority bolstered the papacy's influence and prestige. Additionally, the need for unity against a common enemy helped consolidate the pope's role as a spiritual leader, though the eventual outcomes also led to increased scrutiny and challenges to papal authority from emerging nation-states and rival religious movements.