How did the French power of Catholic Church change after Revolution?

1. Disestablishment of the Catholic Church: Before the Revolution, the Catholic Church in France was closely intertwined with the state and enjoyed a privileged status. It was the official state religion, and its clergy were paid by the government. After the Revolution, the Catholic Church was disestablished, meaning that it was no longer the official religion of the state and lost its financial support from the government.

2. Nationalization of Church Property: During the Revolution, the French government confiscated vast amounts of property owned by the Catholic Church, including churches, monasteries, and convents. This property was sold by the government to raise funds and redistribute land among the peasantry.

3. Civil Constitution of the Clergy: In 1790, the National Constituent Assembly passed the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, which attempted to reorganize the French Catholic Church and bring it under state control. The Constitution required clergy to swear an oath of loyalty to the state and conform to its laws. Many priests refused to take this oath, leading to a schism between the "jurors" who complied with the law and the "nonjurors" who resisted it.

4. Persecution of the Clergy and Religious: During the Reign of Terror (1793-1794), there was widespread persecution of the clergy and religious in France. Many priests were arrested and imprisoned, and some were even executed. Churches and religious buildings were closed or destroyed.

5. Freedom of Worship: After the fall of Robespierre and the Reign of Terror, the French government adopted a more moderate stance towards religion. The Constitution of 1795 established freedom of worship, allowing Catholics and other religious groups to practice their faith freely.

6. Concordat of 1801: In 1801, Napoleon Bonaparte negotiated the Concordat with Pope Pius VII, which restored the Catholic Church in France. The Concordat recognized Catholicism as the majority religion in France but subjected the Church to state control and oversight. The Church regained some of its former privileges, but its power was significantly diminished compared to its pre-Revolutionary status.

Overall, the French Revolution brought about profound changes in the power of the Catholic Church in France, disestablishing it from the state, confiscating its property, persecuting its clergy, and establishing freedom of worship. While the Catholic Church survived these challenges, its influence and authority in French society were permanently weakened.