NTL Conservative Blog: Holy Roman Empire 800-1000

The 3^rd Chapter of the Church begins in 800 AD. Charlemagne, King of the Franks, conquered much of mainland Western Europe except England, Scandinavia and Spain and become Holy Roman Emperor in 800 AD. The Pope remains sovereign, but still embroiled in the European feudal system.

The Holy Roman Empire was a feudal monarchy that encompassed present-day Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech and Slovak Republics, as well as parts of eastern France, northern Italy, Slovenia, and western Poland at the start of the early modern centuries.

England, Spain and Southern France had their own Kings and were not included in the Holy Roman Empire.

After Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor was elected by the “royals” in the Empire. Power struggles were common after 888 AD.

Fewer Popes were canonized after 800 AD. More Prince Bishops were selected by the Kings with approval by the Holy Roman Emperor and the Popes. Bribes were common to get approvals. Popes dealing with this period are listed below.

St. Leo III (795-816)

Stephen IV (V) (816-817)

St. Paschal I (817-824)

Eugene II (824-827)

Valentine (827)

Gregory IV (827-844)

Sergius II (844-847) Opposed by John, antipope

St. Leo IV (847-855)

Benedict III (855-858) Opposed by Anastasius, antipope (855)

St. Nicholas I (the Great) (858-867)

Adrian II (867-872)

John VIII (872-882)