In various historical contexts, bishops and popes have often served as advisers to monarchs. Here’s a brief overview of their roles:
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Bishops: Many bishops held significant political power and influence in medieval Europe. They acted as advisers to kings and queens, providing counsel on both spiritual and temporal matters. Their positions in the church often granted them a stake in political affairs.
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Popes: As the spiritual leaders of the Roman Catholic Church, popes have historically wielded significant influence over monarchs. They often provided guidance on moral and ethical issues, and their authority could impact the legitimacy of a monarch's reign.
While monks and priests may have had influence in certain contexts, particularly at local levels, bishops and popes were more prominent in their advisory roles to monarchs.