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Gregory VII: Dictatus Papae 1090

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Gregory VII: Dictatus Papae 1090
The primary source “Gregory VII: Dictatus Papae 1090” is a list of principals which was included to the Pope’s register in the year 1075. The origin of the Dictatus Papae is highly debatable since it is unknown; some believe it was written by Gregory VII himself, while others believed it had a completely different origin. The meaning of “dictatus” is principles that should be obeyed. So I find the naming of the Dictatus Papae very appropriate since it is exactly that, a list of principles for the Pope. This documentation of rules shows how much power the pope had in the 11th century in Europe, that it had to be regulated.
This source seems to be a guideline to the head of the church at the time and those to follow. It was written to be written in very straight forward direction, setting strict boundaries on the Pope’s power. I personally think that the Dictatus Papae origin may have been from before Pope Gregory
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Around the time period this source was written, the church was a big part of everyday life in Europe. Due to how highly the church was regarded, the Pope as the head would be the most influential. He was so powerful he could “by his command and consent, it may be lawful for subordinates to bring accusations”. However since today’s world the church is also still a big part of Europe but no to the extent as it was then. Religion has dwelled down and is not as highly regarded in society so not every cares for the church. So no matter the time every society has to control the power therefore there must be rules set. The Dictatus Papae was just that, the restriction of the Pope. Meanwhile in America we have regulations of our most influential person, the president. My problem with “Gregory VII: Dictatus Papae 1090” would be the fact it is unknown who set these rules, and even if we were to know, what gave them the right to declare what the Pope’s obligation should

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