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What authority did popes have that kings did not have

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Answer:

In the later Middle Ages, popes and many European kings gained more power and controlled the European society. The Popes were believed to be God's representative on Earth and so, he had power over everyone. The pope will decide everything about the church and could punish anyone who offended it. If the pope felt someone was working against the church, he could punish the person in many way. For very serious offense, the offender could be excommunicated, cast out from the church. Many popes had great religious and political power and were looked as a leader by most of the Europeans. Kings and monarchs ruled almost all the countries in Europe. However, many kings had very little real power because they had to gain their nobles' support. In the later Middle Ages, some kings began to take full control of their country especially for England and France.

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