Western Civilization I / Unit 10 WC1 0902 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Gregory the Great and the Papacy's Early Claims
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The idea
Popes claimed to lead the whole Church against Byzantium's emperor-over-church, but were rarely acknowledged outside Italy. Gregory the Great, about six hundred, played Germanic kings against each other and sent missionaries for souls and influence.
In practice
Pope then meant any bishop; the office grew by relationships with kings.
Where people slip
Authority was built, not inherited.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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