The Crusades and Papacy of the Middle Ages

1. The Crusades and Papacy of the Middle Ages Notes from James Meadows

2. Reasons for Launching the Crusades • The advance of Islam was stopped by Charles Martel (734) at Tours, France. • Pope Urban II called (November, 1095) for all the faithful to a vast crusade. • He announced that Palestine had fallen to Moslems. • They needed to go to the rescue of the holy shrines of Palestine. • They needed to have Christianity in the East to consider and protect those who had not already fallen and regain those who had. • They needed to roll back Moslem power.

3. The Crusades • Gregory VII followed Urban II. • He boosted the spirit of the Crusades. • His purpose was to bring Eastern Christianity under Rome, a desire for power. • The Crusades were launched in 1099 and lasted about 400 years.

4. Fruits of the Crusades • Did not permit for the conversion of Moslems because it heightened hatred for Christians. • Middle 13th Century there was a change of policy toward Islam. • Thomas Aquinas said, “The sword ought only to be used in defensive war.” • Aquinas also said Moslems ought to be taught. • Honorius IV joined Aquinas in teaching the Moslems and established schools (University of Paris) that encouraged learning Arabic.

5. Fruits of the Crusades • The Council of Venia asked that several universities be established to prepare missionaries by teaching them Oriental languages. • Literature against the Moslems began to appear all over Europe. • Establishment of two orders during this time: • Dominican – Dominica • Francisisn - Francisis

6. Conditions in the Early 11th Century • Ungodliness, wickedness prevailed in the papacy. • Climaxed in 1046 when 2 popes were deposed and another forced to give up the throne. • Emperor Henry III, of Germany, was a religious man. • He saw the papacy was rotten and decided to do something about it. • He went to Rome and stopped at Sutri, a little town on the way. • There were three popes at this time – Gregory VI, Benedictine IX and Sylvester III.

7. The Era of Hildebrand • Henry III called a Synod at Sutri. • Gregory VI presided. • Benedictine IX and Sylvester III were deposed. • Another meeting was held at Rome and Gregory VI was asked to resign. • Clement III elected next pope, reigned 9 months • Benedictine IX got control again and stayed until July 16, 1048, then went to Germany.

8. The Era of Hildebrand • Damasus II was elected and lived 23 days. • A Frenchman called Bruno, bishop of Tours, selected December, 1048. • Was under the influence of monastery of Cluny. • Went to Rome to officially accept title. • Hildebrand told him to accept the title from the church in Rome, not Henry III. • Bruno consecrated in Feb., 1049, with the title Leo IX. • He made Hildebrand his advisor and an overseer.

9. Era of Hildebrand • Five popes ruled from 1049 to 1073. • Heldebrand became pope April 22, 1073. • He ruled 12 years. • Claimed by some to be most brilliant. • Came to the throne with the idea of reform • Started making changes first by making a law against Simony (the buying or selling of church office) • His view of the church and state is the most outstanding.

10. The Era of Hildebrand • Henry IV did not like to be told what to do. • Gregory wanted a fuss with someone and Henry was the man. • Gregory VII excommunicated Henry IV and Rudolph got the throne. • Gregory died May 25, 1085 at Salerno.

11. Introduction to the Age ofInnocent III (1198-1216) • The most important era in the study of the Middle Ages. • Schaff calls it, “The golden age of the Medieval Era.” • Catholicism and Innocent III enjoyed both temporal and spiritual power. • No other mortal before or since has ever wielded the powers Innocent III had. • He is a perfect example of Catholicism.

12. Life of Innocent III • Born 1160 in Anagni, Italy • Brilliant, good education, theology and canon law at University of Paris and Bologna, proficient in scholastic learning • Appointed cardinal by Clement III and lived an obscure life for 8 years • Devoted himself to life of literature. • His writings teach all about the world is sinful • He was elected pope on the day of Coelestin’s funeral and ascended the papal chair, at the age of 37, on Feb. 22, 1198.

13. Innocent III and His Works • He laid the foundation for papal infallibility, although it was not enacted until 1870. • Added the title – Vicar of God • Over both temporal and spiritual domains • He summoned and guided the Fourth Lateran Council (1215) • Established the Inquisition • Doctrine of transubstantiation became a doctrine of official dogma.

14. Innocent III and His Works • He set in motion the fourth Crusade. • The first inkling of rebellion is seen during his time. • It seems to have descended from his power. • They thought one must submit to the pope in order to submit to Christ.

15. Innocent’s Idea of the Papacy • Thoroughly convinced God established papacy for good of the church and salvation of the world • Felt pope had been entrusted with dominion over the church and the world • Felt he had perfect God-given right to enforce in any way complete submission to his will.

16. Innocent’s Ideas of the Papacy • He used two great powers to enforce his laws • Excommunication – One individual impacted • Interdict – Whole country impacted because people were deprived of spiritual benefits • Innocent III borrowed some thoughts from Hildebrand. • Pope rules over souls of men as sun by day and king rules over bodies of men as moon • The pope has regal and pontifical authority

17. Innocent and Politics • The head of the German Empire, Henry IV, had married Constance, a Norman princess. • Through her he laid claim to Sicily, thus he held land north and south of the pope • He died Sept. 28, 1197, just before Innocent III ascended the throne. • Frederick was made king of Sicily and Innocent appointed as his guardian after Constance’s death.

18. Innocent and Politics • Otto and Philip tried to get the political throne, but Innocent III chose Frederick. • He excommunicated Philip, who was later killed by Otto. • Then, he excommunicated Otto. • Frederick II was crowned over the Holy Roman Empire in 1212. • Innocent called in the armies of Philip II of France and defeated Otto at Bouvines in 1214.

19. Innocent’s Further Actions • King John was the cruel ruler of England. • The people drew up the Magna Charta and forced John to sign it, which was the first significant effort on the part of the people to gain freedom. • Innocent took the side of John against the Magna Charta (Catholics insist they uphold liberty). • It was during this period that the Fourth Lateran Council was called and guided by Innocent (1215). • To study the means of retaking Palestine • For the betterment of the church

20. The Fourth Lateran Council • Fourth Lateran Council was the largest in the West until that time • 412 bishops, 800 abbots and a raft of delegates • It established the Inquisition and the doctrine of transubstantiation • Last act by the council was to set the date for the 4th Crusade (1217). • Forbade all Christians to have dealings with Saracens for the next 4 years • Any person that would participated in or contribute to would receive eternal bliss and full indulgence