One of the questions scholars love to debate is, “Why did democracy take root in Europe instead of elsewhere?” There are many theories for this, and the answer is certainly a combination of multiple answers.

But one theory that I’ve always found interesting is the check to monarchial power that the Pope provided. As Europe became Christianized, it also submitted to the spiritual power of the Rome. On dozens of occasions (perhaps many more than that?) the Pope acted as a counter balance to Kings and Queens who acted like tyrants. This simple political reality created an environment for dissension, which is really what democracy is built around.

The story of Thomas Becket is a case in point, and the best biography I’ve read about Becket is Thomas Becket: Warrior, Priest, Rebel by John Guy.

Appointed to be Archbishop of Canterbury by King Henry in 1162, Becket quickly became a thorn in the King’s side. The drama in this story reads like a Shakespeare play. Becket is the stuff legends are made of. Born of humble beginnings, he climbed the social ladder and became the Archbishop’s right hand man. From there he became the King’s most trusted advisor. He was a successful commander in battle, a faithful believer, and a loyal servant. Glib to the point of impulsiveness, he could charm his way through any situation.

Well, almost any situation. The short story is that he was appointed by the King to be the Archbishop, presumably to be the King’s lackey in that role. Instead, Becket displayed an amazing independence that quickly got him into trouble. As you might expect, King’s don’t like people they’ve appointed to not then do their bidding. And thus the troubles begin. I’ll let you read the book to hear the rest of the story. Suffice to say that like all good Shakespeare stories, it ends in bloodshed.

So what does all that have to do with the Pope? Well, when an Archbishop and a King have a dispute, who do you turn to as judge? The Archbishop is above the secular courts. The King is above … well, everything except the Pope. Thus the Pope becomes the arbitrator of conflicts like this, and acts as a check on monarchs run amok.

It’s a good book with an amazing story. It’s a story that foretells the Reformation, King Henry VIII and his break from the Catholic Church, and the decline of absolute rulers in Europe and beyond. At least on that last point I’m sure we can all agree, “Thank God.”