In order to increase its secular authority, the Church employed various methods. One approach was establishing and maintaining alliances with powerful political leaders, granting them religious legitimacy in exchange for their protection and support. Additionally, the Church used its control over education and intellectual discourse to influence societal norms and values, ensuring its ideology played a prominent role in shaping public opinions. Finally, through the implementation of religious laws, such as the Inquisition, the Church was able to exert its authority over individuals and communities, further solidifying its secular power.
