Papal Inquisition

The Papal Inquisition was a series of church-led investigations from the 13th to 15th centuries aimed at identifying and condemning heresy—beliefs diverging from official Catholic doctrine. Established by the Pope, it used courts and interviews to assess accused individuals, often employing inquisitorial procedures. The goal was to maintain religious unity and doctrinal authority, but it sometimes involved harsh methods, including imprisonment and execution. The Inquisition reflected the church's effort to control religious beliefs within Christendom, shaping historical debates about justice, authority, and faith.