Prince-Bishopric

A prince-bishopric was a type of territory in medieval and early modern Europe where a bishop of the church also held secular, political authority as the ruler of that region. In these areas, religious leaders like bishops or abbots had both spiritual responsibilities and political power, governing the land, collecting taxes, and making laws. This blended role meant that church leaders played a significant part in both religious and governmental affairs within their territories, often functioning like secular princes. Such arrangements reflected the close ties between church and state during that period.