Marsilio of Padua blamed papal temporal power for Italy’s wars

Evidence

His criticisms of the Church in his day are two: that by its evil conduct it has undermined religious belief, and that the temporal power of the popes, with the policy that it inspires, prevents the unification of Italy. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1878 (#expands, via linked claim)

There was thus, from the first, a curious interdependence of pope and emperor. No one could be emperor unless crowned by the Pope in Rome; on the other hand, for some centuries, every strong emperor claimed the right to appoint or depose popes. The medieval theory of legitimate power depended upon both emperor and pope; their mutual dependence was galling to both, but for centuries inescapable. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1526 (#qualifies, via linked claim)

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim
• XREF: connects to: Papal temporal power prevented the political unification of Renaissance Italy — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1878; Medieval legitimate power depended on the mutual dependence of pope and emperor. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1526; Neo-Guelphism sought an Italian federation under the Pope

Broader Connections

• Papal temporal power prevented the political unification of Renaissance Italy #expands (0.85) — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1878
• Neo-Guelphism sought an Italian federation under the Pope #contradicts (0.80)
• Medieval legitimate power depended on the mutual dependence of pope and emperor. #qualifies (0.72) — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1526