How did the Church acquire its leading position after it acquired and consolidated power during the chaotic years of the post-Roman Empire?

Question: The final two-fold question is on the role of the Roman Catholic Church in the Middle Ages. Answer the following questions in the context of an extended essay on this topic: 1) How did the Church acquire its leading position after it acquired and consolidated power during the chaotic years of the post-Roman Empire? 2) Cite at least three major reasons why the Church faltered in its position as a power in Europe during the period of 1200-1350. (Note: the reasons may have arisen prior to those years.) Please number each part of your answer. Make sure you answer both parts of the question. Also, make sure you give page numbers and citation information for all resources you use. I recommend 3-5 type-written pages in order to complete this essay. Please note: any plagiarism on this examination will constitute failure of this course. Make sure that you include citations for any quotes and ideas not your own. Remember that this is a research paper. Give evidence for all of your statements. Place your name and course number & section number at the top of the page. Make sure that you place your source(s) for your information at the bottom of the page. You may use the Internet, giving the URL\’s for citations (plus the name of the page or article). Your textbook may also be used.