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From the Middle Ages into the late 1600s, the Catholic Church was one of the most powerful political

entities in the world.

So as you can imagine, positions within the Church were coveted.

Securing a senior position within the Church was a one-way ticket to a life of wealth, influence, and power.

Perhaps it's unsurprising then that church officials would sometimes try to dole out positions

and promotions within the church to those who were close to them.

But it wouldn't always be patronage toward political allies.

...