The Catholic Church was injured both physically and emotionally. In Avignon, which had been the home of the Papacy for nearly a century lost greater than half of its monks. Consequently, religious purity for the dying was hard to come by. This was not only a result of the priests trying to fulfill their duties and becoming infected, but also by those who sought to stay away. When recognizing what was happening around him, Pope Clement VI realized that nothing would be gained from his death and sought refuge in his chambers spending days sitting between two roaring fires on either side of him. One note of consolation to the medical field, was all this was done on the advice of the Papal physician. He survived as well as most of the upper class did by simply having the means to do so. People recognized the loss of the cleric alongside the peasant, lady of the court, and child. It did not distinguish evil from good, but took the lives of all. Overall there was a negative effect on the popularity of the church. A struggle between faith and reason developed giving rise to religious, social, and political unrest. Religious reformer John Wycliffe, in England and John Huss, in Bohemia were leaders of a couple of many sects that challenged Catholic Church's behavior and doctrine. Although decades later, these complaints eventually led to the formation of the Protestant Church.

The effects the Plague had on the economy and the laws governing the state were severe. England is a perfect example. By 1349, the population had been so severely decreased that the commoner had the upper hand on the landlords. This was significant in that they were able to demand a higher wage and the markedly increase in their mobility if one lord did not suit their needs. Without the manpower to cultivate and yield crops, the landlords were in effect held without influence. The Parliament came to there rescue by imposing penalties and restricting the movement of the laborers and limit the wages. Although this was effective at the time and serf's services continued, it resulted in a revolt some 30 years later. The end economic result of the Plague was somewhat surprising. Prices dropped and wages increased. The latter not so surprising. Although not proven, the deflation of goods decreased because of a

Some topics in this essay:
Starting Sicily, Protestant Church, Clement VI, America Mortality, BLACK DEATH, English Parliament, Flagellants Flagellants, Catholic Church, Publishing Company, Gothic Art, black death, lower class, medical knowledge, triumph death,