Popes

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Popes were religious leaders and very wealthy. They basicaly took control over the empire for power and wealth. Medieval churches were in the towns, and the popes preached and spoke to the citizens to help them religiously. The Medieval Churches were located in towns because most people who lived in town were Catholic. This made it easeir to access for everyone in the town. In the  Medieval world, there were many important people. Some of them included King John, Pope Innocent, and Pope Gregory. King John fought with Pope Innocent about whether or not he could put people to work in the churches. Pope Innocent stopped this argument by excommunicating the king. Pope Innocent also led the 4th crusade and said God called upon them to take back the holy land (Jerusalum). Pope Gregory is important because he established a set of rules for the pope, king, and citizens. His rules are below.

The Magna Carta and the 4th Crusades are all a big part of the Pope's life. The Magna Carta was formed because of the argument of Pope Innocent and King John. The agreement stated that neither the pope or king could have too much power or be too rich. The 4th crusade was a battle to take back the Holy Land for the Christians. Pope Innocent said that God contacted him and said to take back Jerusalum from the Muslims and keep it for themselves. These were the two main events surrounding the popes.
 * 1) That the Roman church was founded by God alone.
 * 2) That the Roman pontiff alone can with right be called universal.
 * 3) That he alone can depose or reinstate bishops.
 * 4) That, in a council his legate, even if a lower grade, is above all bishops, and can pass sentence of deposition against them.
 * 5) That the pope may depose the absent.
 * 6) That, among other things, we ought not to remain in the same house with those excommunicated by him.
 * 7) That for him alone is it lawful, according to the needs of the time, to make new laws, to assemble together new congregations, to make an abbey of a canonry; and, on the other hand, to divide a rich bishopric and unite the poor ones.
 * 8) That he alone may use the imperial insignia.
 * 9) That of the pope alone all princes shall kiss the feet.
 * 10) That his name alone shall be spoken in the churches.
 * 11) That this is the only name in the world.
 * 12) That it may be permitted to him to depose emperors.
 * 13) That he may be permitted to transfer bishops if need be.
 * 14) That he has power to ordain a clerk of any church he may wish.
 * 15) That he who is ordained by him may preside over another church, but may not hold a subordinate position; and that such a one may not receive a higher grade from any bishop.
 * 16) That no synod shall be called a general one without his order.
 * 17) That no chapter and no book shall be considered canonical without his authority.
 * 18) That a sentence passed by him may be retracted by no one; and that he himself, alone of all, may retract it.
 * 19) That he himself may be judged by no one.
 * 20) That no one shall dare to condemn one who appeals to the apostolic chair.
 * 21) That to the latter should be referred the more important cases of every church.
 * 22) That the Roman church has never erred; nor will it err to all eternity, the Scripture bearing witness.
 * 23) That the Roman pontiff, if he have been canonically ordained, is undoubtedly made a saint by the merits of St. Peter; St. Ennodius, bishop of Pavia, bearing witness, and many holy fathers agreeing with him. As is contained in the decrees of St. Symmachus the pope.
 * 24) That, by his command and consent, it may be lawful for subordinates to bring accusations.
 * 25) That he may depose and reinstate bishops without assembling a synod.
 * 26) That he who is not at peace with the Roman church shall not be considered catholic.
 * 27) That he may absolve subjects from their fealty to wicked men.

The popes affected the Middle Ages because the people relied on them for religious guidance and what to do in times of trouble. Popes are important in the world today because they still provide spiritual guidance and help people. Today, they do not call wars and don't get as much money. The church doesn't force people to give them land or money after they die like people in the Middle Ages did. Five facts about popes are: __Pope Innocent III__. Boise State University. April 22, 2009. <[]>
 * 1) Pope Innocent believed that they were called by God to fight in the crusades
 * 2) Pope Innocent was the most powerful and influential popes
 * 3) Pope Gregory attempted sweeping reforms in the church
 * 4) The fight beetween Pope Innocent and King John was settled once the Magna Carta was established
 * 5) The 4th crusade was against Constantinople

__Who's Who in Medieval History and the Renaissance, Pope Innocent III__. April 22, 2009. 

__Who's Who in Medieval History and the Renaissance, Pope Gregory VII__. April 22, 2009. <[]>