Problems in Roman Catholic Church

Medieval Catholic Church Was the only Christian church in most of Europe The people of Europe were very devout Everyone was concerned about going to heaven Catholics believe in Purgatory-a place between heaven and hell where a soul stays until the person has done penance for any sins

Abuses in the Church Clergy was poorly trained and often illiterate Higher ranking clergy were more interested in materialism (lifestyle) Popes needed lots of money to pay for lifestyle, wars, and beautiful cathedrals Often clergy bought their positions-simony Indulgences were sold as penance for sins, but often paid for Church projects

Merchants and the Church Because of trade with Middle East, merchants needed to borrow money to pay for ships and trading goods The Catholic church banned usury Usury=lending money at interest Merchants resented they could only borrow money from non-Christian moneylenders They began to demand changes. Some set up banks to lend money-de Medicis

Italian Domination of Church Italians filled many of the high positions in the Catholic Church-bishops, archbishops, popes All members of Catholic Church had to tithe 10% of their income Most money went to high clergy positions or to Rome (Italians) German princes and English royalty disliked Italian domination of the Church Wanted money to stay in their lands

Church’s Political Power Catholic church owned HUGE amounts of land throughout Europe--probably more than 30% They paid no taxes on this land High ranking clergy held political/feudal positions in many lands increasing the Church’s power The pope ruled as a political leader-he ruled a large part of Italy-the Papal States. He often fought wars to control and expand his holdings.

Indulgences Were sold by the Church as a penance for sins Much of the money went to the pope The pope needed money to build St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome He sent Johan Tetzel to Germany to sell indulgences He sent other priests throughout Europe

Indulgences To sell more indulgences, Tetzel claimed they could get a dead person’s soul out of Purgatory “The moment a coin in the coffer rings, a soul to heaven springs” Many were outraged by Tetzel’s selling technique, including Martin Luther This led to the Reformation