Monarchs ensured that they followed canon law to avoid negative consequences.
Monarchs in medieval and early modern Europe often relied on canon law, the body of laws and regulations established by the Catholic Church, to maintain their authority and avoid negative consequences. Canon law not only governed religious matters but also influenced various aspects of secular life, including marriage, morality, inheritance, and the relationship between church and state.
By complying with canon law, monarchs aimed to secure the support and legitimacy of the Church, which was a powerful institution during this period. If rulers disregarded canon law, they risked incurring the Church's wrath, which could lead to a range of negative consequences.
One significant consequence that monarchs sought to avoid was excommunication, the formal removal from the religious community. Excommunication carried immense moral and political weight, as it could alienate the ruler from their subjects and potentially cause unrest and rebellion. Being excommunicated also denied the ruler access to sacraments and made them ineligible to hold office in the Church, undermining their authority and imposing a significant social stigma.
Additionally, monarchs relied on the Church to legitimize their power through the ceremony of the coronation. The coronation, which was often performed by bishops or other high-ranking church officials, conferred a divine sanction on the ruler's authority. By adhering to canon law, monarchs ensured that their coronations were performed in accordance with religious norms, reinforcing their legitimacy and divine right to rule.
Furthermore, canon law provided guidelines for marriage, including rules on consanguinity (blood relations) and affinity (in-law relationships). These rules were crucial to maintaining social stability and avoiding potential conflicts over inheritance and succession. Monarchs relied on canon law to secure the validity and legitimacy of their marital unions, which were essential for ensuring the legitimacy of their offspring and heirs.
In summary, adhering to canon law was a strategic choice for monarchs to avoid negative consequences and maintain their authority. By aligning with the Church, they aimed to secure religious legitimacy, avoid excommunication, and maintain social stability through proper regulation of marriage and inheritance.