the papacy

It gained its significance as time went on, starting out as virtually nothing and ending up

as a major power, ups and downs in between. These changes were due to both events

and people, both outside and inside the Church.

Essentially, it all began with Pope Leo the Great and the legacy that he left

behind. This is where the popes' prestige all began. Before him, the power wielded to

the pope was questionable and many times overlooked. But once he took on the title of

Supreme Pontiff, it was clear how things were to be. Another thing that was born by him

was the pope regulating ecumenical councils. Leo started this when it came time for the

Council of Chalcedon. It was just another way he found to exercise his power as the

ultimate bishop, the bishop of Rome. Not only did he show that the pope was to be a

strong religious leader, he proved that politics were important, too. He intervened in

several attacks against Rome and ended up safeguarding the city through simple

discussions. Leo the Great set new standards for the bishop of Rome and left poeple to

really revere those who took on the role.

. . .

Christianity was given opportunities it did not have before.

One of the highest points in the papacy was when it crossed paths with

Charlemagne in the Eigth century. Subjectively, it did help to strengthen the Church. He was

known for starting and running a monastery, as well as taking on the many duties of

being pope. Gregory also found power in

dealing with the Germanic tribes that were threatening the Eastern Empire, eventually

coming to terms with them peacefully. Through his father, Pepin, the Church received a

mass of land which was in and of itself a form of power for the papacy and the Church at

the time. He

established things like the Justinian Code, which in some ways benefited the Church as a

whole but at the same time, did not.

I think that this was the final installment of what would be needed for what

would be considered the papacy. anti-popes, various

forms of corruption, etc). It led to rampant persecutions of other religions

which is anything but Christian like. Though at the same time, the

relationship put the papacy in a place where it could be bought over and was in essence,

at the mercy of the Emperor by obligation. Gregory the

Great developed the papacy further in the aspects of service to his poeple. Papacy

had, in fact, become an undeniable reality. Justinian was a prime example of this and as an emperor practicing it, he gave

himself rights and powers in the Church which were really not his to have.

Common topics in this essay:
III Regardless, Church Christianity, Council Chalcedon, Church Emperor, , Donation Pepin, Eastern Empire, Pope Leo, Papism Justinian, Supreme Pontiff, bishop rome, caesero papism,

Approximate Word count = 800
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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