Theocracy or Imperial Papacy? In this complicated equation, East and West have had different destinies, different ways to approach this problem. In the West, after the IVth century, bishops imposed themselves as the main power in the political landscape which was threatened by the barbarians, instrumentalizing a dominant position of the Church for many centuries within Western society. Bishops are teachers and leaders, as well. Pope Gelasiu (494) established the basis of the pontifical action, stating that the Church is above the political power and that the authority of the bishops will increase steadily. In the year 800, the Emperor Charles the Great brought back the idea of “Emperor“ with the help of the pontifical power. From this point, a very close relationship between the Catholic Church and Western political order started.