During the Middle Ages, the world lived under the aegis of feudalism. Europe, sovereign, directed its economy to the countryside and the Church accompanied it. When located in the city, the Church suffered enormous interference from the monarchy in the choice of offices. But when he turned to the countryside, the situation changed.
In addition to owning a vast library, the Church was the most literate institution at the time. And, due to this fact, its members, who dominated writing and reading, were the most prepared to occupy public positions. However, the monarchy was not at all satisfied with the situation.
The church was divided into secular and regular clergy. The secular clergy was composed, among others, of bishops and the pope. One of its most illustrious members was St. Benedict of Nursia, who ordered the construction of the monastery of Monte Cassino, located in Italy. This monastery was known for the orders the monks received to obey their supreme head, the abbot. The regular clergy followed the philosophy of isolation, were more spiritual and less materialistic. He preached chastity, simplicity and charity.
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With the union of some territories in Central Europe, at the end of the Middle Ages, forming the Holy Empire, the State began an interventionist policy in the actions of the Church. The emperor directly participated in the choice of clerical members, an exclusive function of monks and presbyters. Such intervention became known as cesaropapism and did not please the Church. In the 10th century, the movements against the participation of the Monarchy in the administration of the Church began.
By Demercino Junior
Graduated in History
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
JUNIOR, Demercino José Silva. "The Church and the Holy Empire"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/historiag/igreja.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
