Zarys średniowiecznego sporu o supremację między papieżem a cesarzem

The article presents the political context of the emergence of the Catholic Church within the ancient Roman Empire and the four major political issues connected with the development of the Church. The first issue considers the question: which ruler (the bishop of Rome or the emperor), acting within one community both political and religious (Christianitas), is to proclaim the content of the Christian doctrine (faith)? Secondly, who is to make (or announce) the law based on that doctrine? Thirdly, who holds the supreme juridicial power in the community? Finally, what is the justification for the emperor's power and the Pope's power? In outlining these issues, arguments of both sides of the debate are presented. This debate on supremacy also shows the context of the birth of the modern idea of state sovereignty.