Between 330 and 590, the Old Catholic Church (Universal
Church, not the Roman Catholic Church) in which each bishop had been standing
on an equal place, now became which is known as Roman Catholic Church in which
bishop of Rome had been primacy over the other bishops. The bishop of Rome came
to be regard as above the other bishops. The traditions say that Roman Catholic
Church was established by Peter and since Rome was the capital it receives a
special place. The Roman Catholic Church became the largest Church in the West.
Even during the invasion of Rome by the German and barbarian tribes the Roman
Catholic Church was able to stand. The Roman bishops proved themselves very
strong and other churches looked at them as leaders. Following this they
exercised great authority.
Innocent I-402-417. He claimed that Roman
Catholic Church had custodian of all the apostolic tradition and also it has
the foundation of Western Christianity. He also claimed the universal authority
over the other church.
Leo-I-440-461. Leo I served during the very
difficult period. Many barbarian tribes like Huns/ Vandals coming into the
Roman Empire. He was able to manage. During the period of Chalcedon Council, he
was the main person who influences the council to take decisions. He also
emphasized the primacy of Peter and argued apostolic succession which says that
whatever charisma Peter had he passed on to his successors. He was able to
attain as conservable power as bishop of Rome. His authority was extended to many
other places. The popes or bishops of Roman Empire had so much of power when we
compare this with Eastern Empire. In East, empire had having the power over the
church. In West Church began to grow where in the East it remained stagnant.
Some other
Reasons. Papal
power was regarded as the power with righteousness. Many times they stood
between princes and people. They were projected as righteousness. In contrast
to the uncertainty of secular rule, Roman Catholic bishops provided a future
stability. Eastern and
Western
Church. There
were several differences between the Eastern and the Western churches. When
Constantine moved its capital in the year 313, he was paving the way for
separation between East and the West. The Church in the Eats was under the control
of emperor. But because the pope in the not e Rome was too far away, the pope
could not be brought under the control of Eastern Empire. Because of the
absence of effective political control in the West, Pope in the West sometimes
only spiritual leader, but also political leaders. In the East Emperor also the
pope and in the West pope also the emperor.
The
Western had more intellectual outlook, whereas East was more philosophical. In
the West language used Latin and in the East they used Greek language.
Medieval
Popes. 590-570. Gregory 1 -5040 -604. His consecration with bishop of Rome, we have
transition in terms of time, now we are moving into the Middle Ages. This also
considered as the Dark Ages. He growth so much in power in Roman Catholic
Church. He assumed so much of power in the church and also had a great
missionary interest. He became familiar with great writings like Ambrose,
Jerome, and Augustine. He also had classical learning. He also became a prefect
of Rome. He contributed so much to the Roman Catholic Church. His greatest
contribution was expansion of Roman bishops. He did not use title pope with
himself which exercised all the powers and privileges of the pope. He had
interest to British Island Christian faith. With his elevation of bishop of
Rome as the transition.
Innocent III. There were several reasons
for the growth of Roman Catholic Church. So much of wealth, power had also one
of the reasons for the downfall of Roman Catholic Church. So the growth and
development of the high middle ages. One
of the major events during this period was the rise of Islam although that did
not much affect the West Church.
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