AP World History POD #9 – Medieval Europe

1. AP World History POD #9 – Medieval Europe Gregorian Reforms

2. Class Discussion Questions McKay – Revival and Reform in the Christian Church”, pp. 271-277

3. What corruption developed in the monastery? • After the Carolingian Dynasty many of the monasteries fell under the control of the local feudal lords • These local lords appointed themselves and their relatives abbots • This allowed the local lords to “legally” plunder the monastery assets and use it for private and personal use • The level of spiritual and intellectual activity in the monastery declined – as many clerics enrolled in fighting action (despite the fact that this was outlawed by the church)

4. What corruption developed in the papacy? • Had little influence on 10th century Western Europe – as their power was eroded by Otto I and the start of lay investiture • Factions in Rome tried to control the papacy for personal gain • Political ambitions, political activities, and sexual immorality damaged the moral prestige of the papacy

5. What reforms were instituted by the Lateran Synod of 1059? • Movement to strengthen the moral and political authority of the Pope • College of Cardinals had the power and authority to elect the Pope • When the office of Pope was vacant, the College of Cardinals governed the church

6. Who was Pope Gregory VII (Cardinal Hildebrand)? • He was a reformer who challenged the power of kings (Gregorian Reforms) • He forced King Henry IV (Germany) to bow before him – this was a symbol of the power of the pope • This represents the pinnacle of the church’s power

7. What reforms were instituted by Pope Gregory VII? • Believed the Pope to be successor of Saint Peter and the vicar of God on earth • Believed the papal orders to be the orders of God • Worked to regenerate the morality of the clergy and create a central church under papal authority • “Freedom of the Church” – church was to be free to observe Canon Law and to be free from secular (lay) interference • Tackled the issue of lay investiture

8. What is lay investiture? • Who would chose the clergy? • Pope v. King • He who chose would be dominant

9. Why did kings oppose any change to the investiture system? • King - opposed papal choice fearing they would lose literate assistants • King - saw a financial drain on kingdom as the church would no longer pay clergy to perform the functions of state • Pope - those who accepted lay investiture were subject to excommunication

10. How did the controversy of investiture play out between Pope Gregory VII and King Henry IV? • King Henry (Germany) had invested in numerous church officials – these officials withdrew from the umbrella of papal authority • Pope Gregory VII excommunicated King Henry • King Henry asked for forgiveness from the Pope – this was a function of the clergy and had to be granted (This is often times called the peak of papal power as secular kings were reluctant to challenge the authority of the Pope) • 1080 AD – Pope Gregory VII excommunicated King Henry a second time • Henry responds by invading Italy, capturing Rome and controls the city at the time of Pope Gregory’s death in 1085 AD

11. What was the comprise agreed to at Worms in 1122 AD? • A compromise was reached • Bishops chosen by clergy and Canon Law in the presence of the emperors delegate • Lay investiture was ended in exchange for a veto over the selection • In the end papal authority was enhanced

12. What was the Roman Curia? • The central government of the church was reorganized • This sets the stage for papal monarchy • Papal Curia – papal law courts • Became the first well organized institution of monarchical authority in medieval Europe • Court of law, highest church court • Laid foundation of Canon Law for all Christendom