The Medieval Church part 1

In the 12th century, during the reign of King Richard I, the Roman Catholic Church played a central role in daily life across Western Europe. People followed Church laws, paid taxes to the Church, and in return, they were promised eternal happiness after their often short and difficult lives. Many gave additional gifts—land, crops, and livestock—hoping for blessings, special favors, or an easier path to heaven. These constant donations strengthened the Church’s wealth and influence.

Unlike the rigid class divisions in medieval society, the Church welcomed men from all backgrounds, giving them opportunities to rise in status. While Church officials usually decided which priests were promoted, kings sometimes interfered. King Richard I, for example, appointed his half-brother Geoffrey as Archbishop of York. In his quest to fund military campaigns, Richard even sold government and church positions to the highest bidder, famously declaring, "I would sell London if I could find a buyer."

The Church also believed in the power of relics—sacred objects connected to saints. Each church sought to obtain a relic to attract pilgrims, who traveled great distances to pray before these objects, seeking miracles or divine help. Many journeyed beyond England to places like Rome and Jerusalem, Christianity’s most sacred sites. Though Jerusalem had been under Arab rule since 638 AD, Christian pilgrims were allowed access until the Turks seized control. This led to a series of military expeditions known as the Crusades between 1093 and 1291.

Originally, the Crusades aimed to reclaim the Holy Land from the Turks. However, by the time King Richard led the Third Crusade in 1189, new motives had emerged—personal glory, territorial expansion, and trade opportunities. Although the Crusades failed to secure the Holy Land, they had a lasting impact on Europe, introducing new ideas, trade routes, and cultural influences that shaped the medieval world.

Church Hierarchy

1. The Pope: The head of the Church, with the power of a monarch. Even kings bowed to the authority of the Pope.
2. Cardinals: Advisors to the Pope, referred to as "princes of the church" and effectively princes of Europe. The Pope appointed Cardinals, who held the position for life. New popes were chosen from among their number.
3. Bishops: They were assigned to cathedrals and the governance of entire regions.
4. Priests: They usually presided over a parish, village, or town.