Question

What effect did the black death have on the churches, and governments?

Answer 1

Well, at the time the the Roman Church had complete rule and say over the government. The Pope was more powerful than kings and led both the church and the government. The plague 'opened the eyes' of a lot of people whom believed it was punishment from God for their sinful behavior, and ergo tried to pray the illness away. This failed miserably and caused a weakening of the churches follower base. Another thing that occurred was outsiders trying to enter were persecuted and even attacked, since they did not want more people bringing the plague into their cities and towns. The last thing I can think of is the plague caused massive unrest and anarchy for a while since the majority of government officials were either dead, infected, or locked up in their homes with their families trying not to get infected.