[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

The idea that the Pope could order the rulers of Europe when, how, and who they could make war with throughout the Medieval period is totally laughable. During most of this time they had difficulty in appointing bishops, As you said, the French from the time of Charlemagne (or even Clovis), didn't follow the Pope's orders on anything. In Germany the Emperor (and local Princes) rarely listened to the Pope on political matters. In northern Europe (Scandinavia) there was no papal political interest, In northern Italy allies of the popes and the emperors waged political disputes and even war on each other for centuries. In Spain there first was the Muslim domination, then the Spanish Crusades in which the popes were important in assisting the Spanish Kingdoms repel the Muslims. Southern Italy was dominated first by the Byzantines, then the Saracens, then the Normans, none of whom paid much attention to the pope. After the Papal States in Central Italy the strongest allies of the Popes were probably the Kings of England — but as far as the popes telling them what to do, ask Thomas Beckett how that worked.

[wagglebee]

Excellent analysis!

[Quix]

Sure things were complicated and more so at some times than others.

However, that’s not a wholesale license to rationalize away all manner of evil.

The rabid RC’s on here treat such factors as blanket license to deny all manner of evil.

Won’t wash.