Pope Nicholas I

Pope Nicholas I, also known as Nicholas the Great, was a prominent pope from 858 to 867. He strengthened the authority of the papacy by asserting the pope’s independence from secular rulers and emphasizing church doctrine. He is known for his role in resolving disputes over church practices and asserting that the pope has authority over bishops and kings in spiritual matters. His leadership helped shape the future of the Catholic Church’s authority and structure, making the papacy a more central and independent religious authority during the medieval period.