secularization of the prince-bishopric

Secularization of the prince-bishopric refers to the process during the late 18th and early 19th centuries in which territories ruled by ecclesiastical leaders—specifically bishops—were transformed into secular states. This shift meant that religious authorities lost their political power and land, which were often taken over by secular governments or other authorities. The process was driven by Enlightenment ideas promoting separation of church and state, and it often involved the abolition of feudal privileges and the redistribution of church properties to enhance state control and efficiency. Ultimately, it marked a significant change in the balance of power between religion and government.