One of the methods used by the Church to increase its secular authority was through the establishment of a hierarchical structure with the pope at the top, giving the Church a centralized and powerful leadership. Additionally, the Church sought to control and influence secular rulers through strategies such as excommunication and interdict, which were used to threaten and isolate disobedient rulers. The Church also actively sought to expand its territorial power by engaging in political alliances and acquiring lands, which further solidified its secular authority.
