Introduction Early in history, the Roman papacy consolidated its power. It became one of the most influential organizations in the medieval period. This rise to power was the result of the decline of the Western Empire, the leadership of the Roman bishops, and special grants given to the Church's land holdings. This rise to power resulted in some positive consequences, such as protecting the church from heresy. However, the pope's absolute power also caused corruption and abuse, many of which would later trigger the reform. Rise of the PapacyPerhaps no other event was as influential on the rise of the Papacy in Rome as the decline of the Roman Empire. With the decline of the empire the church became the last refuge of stability. Without the protection of the empire, Rome was subject to poverty, ruin, and enemy attacks.1 The rise of the papacy was a response to this situation. It was further consolidated by the leadership of men such as Leo I and Gregory I, the latter sometimes referred to as the father of the medieval papacy.2 Finally, the granting of lands and authority to the bishop of Rome greatly increased the power of the medieval papacy. Roman Church.3 Decline of the EmpireWhen the Roman Empire shifted its center of power eastward, Rome lost much of the prestige and protection it had previously enjoyed. With Constantinople as the new seat of the empire, the West was left alone, often defenseless.4 Barbarians attacked Rome in 410 AD, and Rome found little help from Constantinople. With the Western Empire essentially abandoned, disease, poverty, and instability were rampant. Many structures had fallen into disrepair and famine ravaged the country. Most government officials had left Rome, leaving the church... middle of paper... great." Leadership (Winter 2009): 83-86. Childress, Diana, and Bruce Watson. "The Fall of the West. " Calliope 11, No. 5 (January 2001): 27.Douglas, J.D., Philip Wesley Comfort, and Donald Mitchell. Who's Who in Christian History. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1992.Eckman, James P. Exploring Church History. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 2002. Gonzalez, Justo L. The Story of Christianity 2nd ed. New York City, NY: HarperOne, 2010. Lutzer, Erwin Doctrines That Separate Christians. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1998. Bainvel , The New Catholic Encyclopedia New York City: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15006b.htm. accessed September 23, 2011)., 2003.