Early-Late Middle Ages: The Church476-1500

The Church▪ Broad political powers; b/c central govt’s were weak▪ Powers across kingdoms & every social & political level

▪ Economic force▪ 1100s, leading land owners

Church Hierarchy ▪ Parish Priest▪ Lowest rank, served ppl of a parish

▪ Important▪ Administered 5 of the 7 sacraments- ppl received God’s favor to

ward off consequences of sin▪ Baptism, Holy Communion, penance, matrimony, & anointing of the sick & dying

Church Hierarchy ▪ Bishop▪ Managed a group of parishes= diocese

▪ King/noble selected them= family connections & political power▪ Many bishops were feudal lords

Church Leadership▪ Several dioceses (archdiocese w/ archbishop) authority over the bishops

of the archdiocese▪ Pope= supreme authority▪ Advised by cardinals on legal & spiritual matters▪ Late 1100s on, cardinals elected the pope

Monasticism▪ 2 types of clergy Secular & Regular▪ Male monks= reg. clergy; live w/ strict rules▪ Also Female nuns

Monastic Lifestyles▪ Needed to w/draw from the

world & its temptations▪ Served by fasting, prayer,

& self-denial▪ Formed religious

communities▪ Monks in monasteries &

nuns in convents

Monastic Lifestyles▪ Many became rich b/c nobles gave $ & land▪ Some left to become missionaries▪ Spread Christianity to Ireland & England

Church Hierarchy Pope

Cardinals

Archbishops

Bishops

Priests

Quick Review▪ Why did the Church have strong political power during the Medieval

Ages?

▪ Even though parish priests are the lowest ranking member of the clergy, what makes their office very important?

▪ Who is the supreme authority of the Catholic Church and who are his closest advisors?

▪ How are monks different than parish priests and bishops?

Activity: Pope Francis▪ 1. What is unique to the selection of Pope Francis as the

current pope? (AT LEAST 3)▪ 2. What characteristics & facts did you learn about Pope

Francis that set him apart and make him different. ( AT LEAST 5)▪ 3. Why was this papal selection especially important?

Explain

Activity: Pope Francis▪ 4. Considering what Pope Francis has done since his papal

selection, which do you think sets him apart from popes before him?▪ 5. Which action or statement made the largest impact on

you? Explain (1 paragraph)

Activity: Monastic Dialogue▪ With a partner▪ Write a dialogue between 2 peasants who are debating whether

or not to join in monastic order or convent