The Power of the Pope and Its Limits

The functions of the Pope have varied over the centuries. For a long time, his political role prevailed over his religious role because of the management and defence of the Papal States as well as the disputes with kings and emperors. It took the end of the Papal States and of their links with other States to free the Pope from political influences and allow him to refocus on his religious function. This function was first enhanced by the establishment of his supremacy over the bishops and then by the use of mediatic power. His power remains limited by the resistance of the Curia and the need to rest on the consensus of the bishops.