The movement of the papacy from Rome to Avignon was a blow to efforts of the church to establish sovereignty in its claimed spiritual and temporal power. Boniface VIII and Philip IV had spent years in a virtual chess match for power, culminating in Boniface’s Unam Sanctam bull of 1302. The bull asserted “It is… Continue reading →
Francis’s literal reading of the Bible and personalized interpretations of revelation gave him a sense of responsibility to live out his call to the church in poverty and humility. Clare of Assisi was drawn in to this simple and sincere apostolic lifestyle that Francis modeled and preached, and formed her organization around his example. As… Continue reading →
In the 8th century, an alliance made between the church and the Franks by their representatives Pope Leo III and Charlemagne, ensured not only the protection and advancement of Christianity but also a kingdom. The alliance created the “Holy Roman Empire,” a somewhat misleading title due to the actual location and territory, highlighting an alternative… Continue reading →
