Essays on Investiture

Introduction

The notoriety of Roman Catholicism across Europe figured prominently throughout history - best manifested by the rise of the papacy, headed by the pope and traditionally based in Rome, Italy. The papacy, which stood as the main governing body of Roman Catholicism, has since become embroiled in key political issues throughout its leadership. Despite its limited role in recent times, the papacy was once a center of political authority in Europe, with its influence greatly sought by European powers beginning from the time of Roman Emperor Constantine I up to the Reformation. This study seeks to outline how the papacy ...

1. Discuss the Lay Investiture struggle and give its effects.

Lay investiture was a system in Europe where the kings and the noble lords used to appoint the church leaders such as bishops. The aim of these kings was to ensure that they would easily get any advice they required from the clergy. The people in the church usually accepted any religious leader who was appointed to them by these kings (Sherman, 123). These leaders also usually accepted their appointment by the kings. During the period, pope was given an authority that was not very clear to the people. The ...

Religion and European society were embroiled in a complex set of controversies after the fall of Rome and between the age of Religious Wars. The question of who would appoint men to ecclesiastical offices like that of Abbot or Bishop was wrestled with between European monarchies and the Popes of Rome. This argument would affect the lives of people at all levels, from peasants to nobles, and would not find a resolution until the Concordat of Worms in 1122 AD. At first after the fall of Rome, it was commonplace for investiture, or the awarding of an ecclesiastical office, to ...