Pope and church

THE ROLE OF THE POPE AND CHURCH

Feudalism was based on the belief that land belonged to God, but the kings could manage the land however they wanted. The pope claimed papal supremacy, or authority over all secular rulers, including kings and emperors. As god's vicar, the pope had the right to intervene and impose sanctions on an unjust king.

The pope headed an army of church men, who supervised church activities. The pope also held vast lands in central Italy, called the Papal States.