How Did Roman Catholicism Influence Politics?

In France, Germany and Italy, Catholicism has traditionally dominated. Today many people in these countries are nominally religious, but the majority do not practice their religion. Although the majority of people are not as active in the church, it still holds influence over culture and politics. Religion is traditionally rooted in the political institutions of these countries and even though the majority of the population no longer practices religion, these roots are so far imbedded in their politics that it will take a lot more than no longer practicing religion to remove religions influence from politics.
Roman Catholicism has influenced French culture and politics for centuries. For the majority of France’s history, the larger part of France’s population considered themselves to be Roman Catholic. In the 16th century, conflict started between Catholics and Protestant Huguenots, which lasted through the 17th century. After a period of toleration, many Protestants left the country due to mistreatment. Then Catholicism was established as the state religion under the Bourbon kings. Eventual widespread disapproval of monarchism left people questioning the church and its role in politics. Catholicism progressively …show more content…
Out of the three countries discussed, the church plays the largest role in Italian politics. The church has openly taken the side of church supporters in elections and urged members of the church to do the same. There is also an array of different kinds of interest groups that are affiliated with the church such as interest groups for labor and teachers. (Politics in Europe, pg. 330). In more recent times the influence of the Catholic church has weakened. A couple important referendums regarding an abortion law and divorce law that the church was unable to stop, showed just how much the church’s influence was declining. (Politics in Europe, pg.