Read the summary.
The Vatican is the location of the papal seat of government of the Roman Catholic Church (1). The Vatican is also the location of the Roman Catholic Church’s military during the Middle Ages, known as the Schmalkaldic League (2). The size of the Church’s militia and armada rivaled the forces of Spain, England, and France (3). Throughout its history, the Catholic Church shifted alliances several times between France and Spain in order to retain control (4).
Which option critiques the factual accuracy of the summary?
To critique the factual accuracy of the summary, we need to analyze each statement individually.
Statement 1: "The Vatican is the location of the papal seat of government of the Roman Catholic Church."
This statement is accurate. The Vatican City is recognized as the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.
Statement 2: "The Vatican is also the location of the Roman Catholic Church’s military during the Middle Ages, known as the Schmalkaldic League."
This statement is not accurate. The Schmalkaldic League was not associated with the Vatican or the Roman Catholic Church. It was actually a defensive alliance formed by Protestant princes in the Holy Roman Empire during the 16th century.
Statement 3: "The size of the Church’s militia and armada rivaled the forces of Spain, England, and France."
This statement is not accurate. While the Roman Catholic Church possessed significant influence during the Middle Ages, it did not have a military force comparable to the armies and navies of Spain, England, and France.
Statement 4: "Throughout its history, the Catholic Church shifted alliances several times between France and Spain in order to retain control."
This statement is generally accurate. During various periods in history, the Catholic Church did engage in diplomatic and political alliances with the Kingdom of France or the Kingdom of Spain, depending on the circumstances and its quest for influence and control.
Based on this analysis, statement 2 is the option that critiques the factual accuracy of the summary.