The Counts of Cilli and the Tools of Church Politics: patronage, advocacy and benefaction

Abstract

The Counts of Cilli engaged in both secular and church politics. Two of the most important tools that they used to wield their influence on church politics were the right of patronage and advocacy over church institutions. Patronage enabled them to fill vacant ecclesiastic offices with priests from the ranks of their clientele, and advocacy allowed them to administer church property as well as exercise patrimonial rights and draw revenues arising therefrom. They further strengthened their reputation and influence in the Church or, rather, its institutions through generous service as benefactors of the Church, which earned them numerous benefits, not least being buried in monasteries.