Church official ownership of land and appointment to high office brought secular power for several intertwined reasons:
* Economic Power: Land was the primary source of wealth in the medieval period. Owning vast tracts of land meant the Church controlled significant resources, including agricultural produce, timber, and mineral wealth. This economic power translated into political influence.
* Feudal Obligations: As landowners, church officials often had feudal obligations. They could be vassals of kings or other nobles, requiring them to provide military service or financial support. This integrated them directly into the feudal system and gave them a say in secular affairs.
* Administrative Capacity: The Church was often the most literate and organized institution in a region. This made church officials valuable administrators, even for secular rulers. They could manage estates, collect taxes, and keep records, effectively becoming part of the government.
* Influence over the Population: The Church held immense spiritual and moral authority. This gave church officials a powerful influence over the population. They could sway public opinion, legitimize or delegitimize rulers, and even mobilize people for rebellion or support.
* Legal Authority: Canon law (Church law) had significant influence, especially in matters of family, inheritance, and moral conduct. Church officials often served as judges or arbitrators, extending their legal authority into secular matters.
* Appointments to High Office: When church officials were appointed to high political office (e.g., as advisors, chancellors, or even regents), they directly wielded secular power. They could influence policy, control access to the ruler, and make decisions that affected the entire realm.
* Land Ownership and Political Leverage: Possession of land in multiple territories gave church officials leverage in disputes between local rulers. They could play one against another, enhancing their political power.
In essence, the Church's economic wealth, administrative capacity, spiritual authority, and legal influence combined to make church officials powerful actors in the secular world. Land ownership and high office appointments were the key mechanisms through which this power was realized and exerted.