Papal Legislation

Papal legislation refers to the laws and decrees issued by the Pope, particularly during the era of the Papal Monarchy (around the 9th to 14th centuries). This period saw the Pope not only as a spiritual leader but also as a powerful political figure. Papal legislation aimed to govern the Church, define doctrines, and resolve disputes. It included various forms of documents, like bulls and decrees, which guided clerical conduct and church administration, asserting the Pope's authority over both religious and political matters in Europe. This helped shape the Church’s influence in governance and society.