Medieval Christianity: Key Figures, Movements, and Conflicts

1. St. Francis of Assisi

Giovanni di Bernardone, born in 1182 in Assisi (Italy), was known as Francesco. Possessing great wealth, he initially sought a life of pleasure. Imprisoned in 1202 for over a year, he fell seriously ill. His conversion began with kissing a leper. In 1208, he believed he heard God's call to rebuild churches and restored several small churches in Assisi. His first follower was Bernard of Quintavalle, who sold his possessions for the poor. Initially denied recognition by the bishop, Francis eventually gained a large following. Pope Innocent III approved his way of life, leading to the Franciscan Order. He died in 1226 and was canonized two years later.

2. Society in the 12th and 13th Centuries

The 12th century witnessed significant societal changes, influencing economic development and urban growth. The 13th century saw Europe experience great economic prosperity. The nobility and clergy remained the most important estates, but handicrafts and trade flourished, creating a wealthy minority. Monasteries became prosperous economic units. In contrast, mendicant orders like the Franciscans and Dominicans rejected this wealth.

3. Church Reform, Orders, and Pilgrimages

Church Reform

During the High Middle Ages, Benedictine monasteries played a significant role in evangelization and education in France, England, and Germany. However, they fell into abuses of power, necessitating reform.

The Abbey of Cluny

They initiated the restoration of the core principles of the Rule of St. Benedict.

The Abbey of Citeaux

The monks of Cluny were falling into the same mistakes as their predecessors. Thus, Robert de Molesme attempted to return to the original rigor of Cluny at the Abbey of Citeaux.

Mendicant Orders

Inspired by figures like Dominic de Guzman (Dominicans) and Francis of Assisi (Franciscans), mendicant friars lived in poverty in small communities, dedicated to preaching and intellectual work. They owned no possessions and relied on charity for their livelihood.

Pilgrimages

Pilgrimages were journeys undertaken for religious reasons. The three most common destinations were Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela. Established routes emerged, along which shelters, hospitals, monasteries, and churches were built.

4. Conflicts

The Crusades

The expansion of Islam had two major consequences for the Western Church: it disrupted trade relations with the East and made it difficult for pilgrims to visit holy sites. Popes and kings organized expeditions to conquer the Holy Land. Jerusalem was conquered in 1099 but later retaken by Muslims. The Crusades strengthened the Pope's power and opened new trade routes.

The Great Schism

The separation between the Latin and Greek churches intensified, culminating in the schism when Michael Cerularius closed Eastern Latin monasteries. He and Pope Leo IX excommunicated each other, formalizing the split into the Orthodox Church. In 1964, Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras of Jerusalem met, embracing and lifting the excommunications.

The Western Schism

Following the death of Pope Gregory XI in the 14th century, the Italian Urban VI was elected. The French, opposed to him, elected Clement VII. They excommunicated each other, dividing Christianity. A council in Pisa then elected Alexander V, resulting in three simultaneous popes.

5. Gothic Art

Gothic architecture evolved naturally from Romanesque. Key elements include the slenderness of cathedrals, the replacement of thick stone walls with windows, and an emphasis on light and verticality, as seen in León Cathedral. Around 1200, the first universities, like Oxford, were established. Gregorian chant is a religious song with lyrics from the Psalms and other biblical texts.

6. Later Figures of Compassion

St. Vincent de Paul

Vincent de Paul was born in France in 1581. He worked as a pastor, was ordained a priest at twenty, and sent to Paris. Recognizing the plight of farmers, he dedicated his life to working with the poor and founded several religious congregations. Vincent died on September 27, 1660, and was canonized in 1737.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Gonxha Agnes was born in 1910 in Macedonia. At eighteen, she left home to become a missionary. She joined the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and received the name Sister Mary Teresa. Years later, she founded the Missionaries of Charity. This congregation expanded globally, establishing the Missionaries of Charity Brothers. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. She died in 1997 and was canonized in 2003.