Document A analysis- In the era of the Carolingians, there was a balance of power between the Pope, who was the spiritual head of the church and the secular kings. While some kings had the title, many did not have real power unless they were anointed by the Pope. Religion played a big role in society, so anyone that was anointed by the Pope was viewed as a “true” king and leader. Based on Document A, we see an exchange of favors between the Pope and the king. The Pope needs the king’s army, a source of power in the secular arena, to defend him against the Lombards. In exchange for this assistance, the Pope anoints and legitimizes the king and his sons. In another passage from Document A, the Pope anoints a king he supports and sends away