Compare the relationship between the church and secular government in Western Europe and in Byzantium.

In Byzantium, the church was under the control of the emperor himself. Even the patriarch was elected by the emperor. This state of affairs persisted for a long period of time. In Europe, in the early period, the church gradually expanded its power and influence. She was essentially independent. The Pope was very powerful and influential. His word carried a lot of weight in many countries. This often led to the struggle of individual kings with the Pope. Ultimately, it was only with the advent of the Reformation that the role of the church in politics and its influence diminished.