Papal Decree of 1075

Pope Gregory VII forcibly declared the rights and dignities of the pope through his Papal Decree of 1075 to prevent the papacy from becoming a pawn of powerful warlords. The decree stated that no one could judge the pope, and that he alone could appoint and depose bishops, kings and emperors, with his rule extending over all earthly rulers. These rulers were decreed to kiss his feet when they approach him, and declared all popes automatically saints. (Hill, 186)

Reference:

Hill, Jonathan. "Early Christianity: A World Religion." Handbook to the History of Christianity. Zondervan, 2006.

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