Lecture 32: Papal Revolution
• The high point of Innocent III’s papacy was the Fourth Lateran
Council, called in 1213 and held in 1215. It was attended by many
bishops, abbots, priors, and the representatives of several monarchs.
o The council ratified the primacy of the papacy over other
patriarchates, as well as its role in secular affairs; it also
approved the election of Frederick II as emperor.o In addition to an exposition of the faith and of the sacraments,
the canons of the council regulated religious orders and
dioceses in considerable detail. Provincial councils every three
years would look to the reformation of clergy. Clergy were to
receive education at cathedral schools.o Particular attention was paid to the misconduct of clergy and to
the regulation of marriage. Christians were to receive extreme
unction before death and were to confess their sins at least once
a year to the parish priest.o Jews and Muslims were to wear special clothing to distinguish
them from Christians, and Christian princes were called on to
take measures against anyone who blasphemed Jesus Christ.Saint Francis and Saint Dominic
• Even though the Fourth Lateran Council forbade the establishment
of new religious orders, Innocent III had already given approval
to two significant innovations to the committed Christian life.
The mendicant orders (the term comes from the Latin word for
“beggars”) were able more flexibly than monks to address changing
needs and pursue the goals of a centralized church.• Francis of Assisi (1181/2–1226) abandoned his wealth and status
to serve Christ in poverty. He was a mystic and, before his death,
received the stigmata—his body bore the wounds on hands and
feet that were like those of the crucified Christ. His “little brothers”
gathered around his charismatic figure and, wearing simple
garments, preached everywhere, depending on alms for their
support. A noblewoman named Clare founded a corresponding