What was role of the church in the French Revolution?

In this caricature, monks and nuns enjoy their new freedom after the decree of 16 February 1790In 1789, the year of the outbreak of the French Revolution, Catholicism was the official religion of the French state. read more

In 1789, the year of the outbreak of the French Revolution, Catholicism was the official religion of the French state. The French Catholic Church, known as the Gallican Church, recognised the authority of the pope as head of the Roman Catholic Church but had negotiated certain liberties that privileged the authority of the French monarch, giving it a distinct national identity characterised by considerable autonomy. read more

French Revolution Background Information The Roman Catholic Church is one of the oldest institutions in the world. It is headquartered in Vatican City in Rome. The Pope is the supreme ruler of the Church and he is believed by Catholics to be infallible. read more

The church was the largest land-owner in France. It owned about 20% of the arable land in France. That obviously made them a target of the more radical elements in the National Assembly. read more