Since its emergence under the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church has had a predominant influence on the world. Its doctrines laid the foundation for modern standards of morality, and during the Dark Ages they served as the brains and power behind many rulers. After the emergence of secular thought in the Renaissance, the power of the Church took a back seat. Lately, his influence has started to come back to the forefront. The Catholic Church is a significant religious body in the Western world. The capital of the Catholic Church is located in Vatican City in Rome, where the body representing the Catholic religion and its people is headed. The Catholic Church has always had an impact on politics, and during the Middle Ages its doctrines and beliefs were central to the decisions of early rulers. He functioned as an icon to the people of what would happen if they followed the laws, and as an advisor to rulers, helping them rule their kingdoms. After the emergence of secular thinking, the power of the Catholic Church fell by the wayside because secular thinking placed importance on the individual and people began to live their lives the way they wanted instead of following the way the Catholic Church told them to live it to go to Heaven. The Church retained its influence in new ways during this period by supporting what interested the people, such as science, art, and a return to classical thought. The Catholic Church today is a very different institution, rife with corruption and flaws, but still followed around the world. Many of her supporters, however, have given up because they are frustrated by her corruption or the outdated doctrines she applies to politics, particularly things like same-sex marriage or contradiction...... middle of paper ....... Whether acting as a curator of knowledge and history or as an advisor to leaders, her influence has always been present. Even during the Renaissance, when secular thought was more important than devotion to faith, the influence of the Catholic Church persisted, revealing itself particularly through art, science and law. The Church maintained itself through adaptation, supporting the areas to which the people were dedicated. Today, the Church still holds some of this influence, although controversies within the institution have tarnished its reputation. Pope Francis, the 266th pope, is the Church's opportunity to right these errors and restore some of its influence over the people. With the positive response to Francis so far, it appears that this influence is returning steadily, alongside what could be very serious reforms to the institution..