Asked by berlanda

The French king was able to defy the pope because the king

inherited his authority from a powerful father.
believed himself to be independent of the Church.
conquered large territories and ruled with firm control.
created a strong national identity and a central government.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
created a strong national identity and a central government.

Because a centralized monarchy with administrative control and popular support (as under Philip IV) gave the king the power and resources to resist papal authority.