The Rise of Roman Papacy
Hayden Wyrick
Liberty University
201520 Spring 2015
CHHI 301-D13 LUO

One of the most peculiar events in all of history is the rise of the papacy. During the time of the Middle Age Rome arose the need for a central figure. The Roman bishop filled that role to provide much needed stability and leadership. The focus of this particular paper will address the reasons for Rome, significant factors to dominance, and the implications of the papacy.
Reasons for Rome
Throughout the first centuries of Christian history, five cities emerged as epicenters for the church: Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Rome, and Constantinople. The Edict of Milan in 313 AD recognized Christianity as a legitimate religious entity. It was in this early stage of formation as an organization that the church took a similar structure to the government. The key leaders of the regional churches rose to power. The five bishops of the previous listed churches were looked to as geographical region leaders. Those five attempted to establish a stable structure upon which to build. However, the bishops would often disagree. From the time of the Edict of Milan until Constantine moved the capital of the empire away from Rome, the Roman bishop was a natural thought for the leader of the young church. Being at the center of the political, social, and economical scene allowed the Roman bishop the level of influence needed.
After the political powers moved from Rome to Constantinople, the only remaining person of influence was the bishop. During that time there was no political or social structure, therefore the bishop was looked to for direction. “So the Church, in its turn, became one constructive thing which emerged from the welter of anarchy;” The Roman church provided a sense of stability, not only to the newly forming religious organization, but to the local society as well.