By incorporating the words "rest in peace" into the burial ceremony, christian priests in the upper middle ages attempted to allay the belief that souls came back to earth after death.
Priests' authority was damaged by the sacramental system because they were unable to adapt church doctrine to local religious customs. Since the sacramental system took the place of intense, individual devotion to the saints, it increased priestly authority.
Since the second century AD, hagiographies have been published to enlighten, edify, and exalt the saints. On the days of the major saints' feast days, it was traditional to read aloud from their histories at divine service and in the monastery refectory (dining hall).
The church was exempt from paying any land taxes to the king because they were regarded as independent. Church leaders grew to be wealthy and influential. In the church, many lords rose to positions of authority such as bishop or abbot. The pope served as the head of the Catholic Church.
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