Thursday, March 2, 2017

Origin of Roman Catholic Church - 39

Continued from previous post -


After being physically attacked by his enemies in the streets of Rome, Pope Leo III made his way in 799 through the Alps to visit Charlemagne at Paderborn. It is not known what was agreed between the two, but Charlemagne traveled to Rome in 800 to support the pope. In a ceremony in St Peter's Basilica, on Christmas Day, Leo was supposed to anoint Charlemagne's son as his heir. However, unexpectedly (it is maintained), as Charlemagne rose from prayer, the pope placed a crown on his head and acclaimed him emperor. It is reported that Charlemagne expressed displeasure but accepted the honor. The displeasure was probably diplomatic, for the legal emperor was supposed to be seated in Constantinople. Nevertheless, this public alliance between the pope and the ruler of a confederation of Germanic tribes was a reflection of the reality of political power in the west. This coronation launched the concept of the new Holy Roman Empire, which would play an important role throughout the middle Ages. The Holy Roman Empire only became formally established in the next century. Nevertheless, the concept is implicit in the title adopted by Charlemagne in 800:
'Charles, most serene Augustus, crowned by God, great and pacific emperor, governing the Roman Empire.'
In the process for more authority, subsequent Popes continue to play more and more political games rather than any religious authority of spreading message of Jesus of righteousness to masses. They actually forgot that they represent a divine authority and should not indulge in temporal activity. Consequently, things happened those were inevitable. However, their justification of their indulgence in political activity by suggesting that having political hold on the country gives them better leverage to hold on the faithful. If King is in hand, rest of the junta comes easily in the hands of the Church.

Influence of powerful Roman families 904–1048

The period beginning with the installation of Pope Sergius III in 904 and lasting for sixty years until the death of Pope John XII in 964 is sometimes referred to as Saeculum obscurum or the "dark age." Historian Will Durant refers to the period from 867 to 1049 as the "nadir of the papacy". During this period, the popes were controlled by a powerful and corrupt aristocratic family, the Theophylacti, and their relatives.
Emperors and popes: 962-1250
The imperial role accorded by the pope to Charlemagne in 800 is handed on in increasingly desultory fashion during the 9th century. From 924 it falls into abeyance. However, in 962 a pope once again needs help against his Italian enemies. Again, he appeals to a strong German ruler.

The coronation of Otto I by Pope John XII in 962 marks a revival of the concept of a Christian emperor in the west. It is also the beginning of an unbroken line of Holy Roman emperors lasting for more than eight centuries. Otto I, does not call himself Roman emperor, but his son Otto II, uses the title - as a clear statement of western and papal independence from the other Christian emperor in
Constantinople.


Otto and his son and grandson (Otto II and Otto III) regard the imperial crown as a mandate to control the papacy. They dismiss Popes at their will and install replacements more to their liking (sometimes even changing their mind and repeating the process). The 'Key of the kingdom of heaven', lost its purpose. This power, together with territories covering much of central Europe, gives the German empire and the imperial title great prestige in the late 10th century. Throughout this Jesus was never seen anywhere in the activities of The Church.

Continues in the next post -
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