12th Century Europe: Society, Church Reform, and Faith

12th Century: A Century of Transformation

The twelfth century witnessed fundamental changes in society. The beginning of the Crusades, population growth, and the influx of gold, among other factors, influenced the development of trade and the growth of cities. The economy still had its foundation in the countryside. The 12th century is known as a period of great prosperity in Europe, which improved living conditions.

Rise of Urban Life and the Bourgeoisie

A new social class, urban life in the Late Medieval period, appeared with great vigor. The nobility and the clergy were still the most important estates, but many traders thrived within cities, creating the bourgeoisie. While the majority of citizens lived modestly, focused on craft and trade, there was also a very rich minority.

The Church in Need of Reform

Monasteries became prosperous economic units that brought all their products to fairs and markets. There were not few criticisms of some of the ministers of the Church who were more concerned with asset growth and political relations rather than living the Gospel. As a result, several religious movements emerged that rejected this and proposed a return to the most genuine Gospel. Thus, mendicant orders like the Franciscans and Dominicans emerged.

Cluny Abbey: Restoring Benedictine Principles (910)

The monks of Cluny began to restore the principles of the Rule of St. Benedict. To do this, it became independent of temporal power and reformed the customs that had crept into monasteries. Cluny's dependent monasteries spread throughout Europe, carrying Romanesque art.

The Cistercian Abbey of Cîteaux (1098)

The monks of Cluny were also falling into some errors committed by their predecessors. Because of this, almost two centuries later, Robert of Molesme attempted to return to the primitive rigor of Cluny and founded the Cistercian Abbey of Cîteaux (1098). Bernard, a Cistercian monk, founded a community at Clairvaux (1115), which became one of the most important monasteries in Europe.

Jesus' Message: Good News for the Poor

The Spirit of the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor of the Kingdom of God. This is the message of the first beatitude: "Blessed are the poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." And so, not because they have more merit, but because God can only reign by doing justice to those who are wronged.

Jesus Identifies with the Poor and Needy

Jesus is identified with the poor and unfortunate of this world. The poor, the hungry, refugees... in short, those who cannot achieve a decent living are the living face of Jesus. Helping them is to present the Kingdom of God in this world.

Jesus' Compassion for the Vulnerable

Jesus is not neutral to needs and injustices. He welcomes the weak, the simple, and those considered impure. He defends those who have no chance in life and struggle for a more full and happy existence.