The Contrasting Papacies of Boniface VIII and Innocent III
The idea that the Pope would be the head of society as both a religious leader and a political leader has been around for a long time. Popes have had varying degrees of power and authority throughout their time, and they have shaped how they operate today. It was the ideal desire that England become a singular Christian society headed by the Pope, of the church in the past. It was that goal that led to many conflicts and developments during the medieval period in England, and still shapes the influence of the Papacy today. The medieval period was one of great turmoil and tension, and religion was a huge factor in how England and surrounding countries were affected. It was the era of the black plague, religious crusades, and many instances of political conflict. It was also the era known for it's 'Papal Monarchy' and the huge effect that religion had in shaping the society. Looking at two Popes, Innocent III and Boniface VIII, we will see exactly how the power of the Papacy was always shifting and how that was reflected on society. Although both Popes had a very different effect in gaining authority during this time, each had a larger effect on how the papacy would be run in the future. Both had the authority of God on the
ir side, although they had contrasting results in the attempt to attain total authority. Each of these Popes played a separate but essential role in how effective the Papacy would be in England during this time. To begin, Pope Innocent III of England was Pope from 1198-1216. During this period many conflicts arose within and even outside of England arose. Innocent was the youngest Pope to ever hold office, but he used past Papacies to help shape his own. Pope Gregory saw the Papacy as being the head of a single Christian society, and as having the highest moral and religious authority over all. Innocent took this idea and ran with it. He saw himself as an authority on all moral and religious issues, and made it a point to intervene as Pope on all such issues. He believed this to be his duty, and as a result he was one of the most politically involved Popes in history. He thought that his power came from his unique position as Pope, lower than God but higher than man. His power came from being the appointed one of God and no one could deny that position. His authority came from God, and his society would come to respect that authority for fear of being condemned. As a result, he was able to implement many political ideas, and affect many political decisions during this time. Some failed terribly, but not all. His crusade against heretics in southern France backfired, as well as the Fourth Crusade he sponsored. The crusade never made it to the Holy Land, but instead resulted in a very bitter relationship with the Orthodox Christians after Constantinople was sacked. Here Innocent III was able to influence followers, but the outcome was not the desired one. He also sponsored a young King with a promise that that King later reneged after Innocent's death. Here, Innocent effectively used his power, but not his best judgement in trusting the young king. But Innocent was also involved in the Fourth Lateran Council, which helped to reestablish pastors as sources of generosity and help, rather than just selfish and focused on monetary-based gains. The problems Innocent faced were many, political and religious. One of the largest was involved with John, the King of England. The King objected to a canonically appointed Archbishop that was supported
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Approximate Word count = 1533
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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