The Popes, the Franks, and the Solution to a Problem

The popes and the center of Catholic authority in Italy faced a problem since the fall of the Western Roman Empire/nThe partnership between the popes and the Franks explains Europe's development/nThe Roman Empire's disintegration left Italy vulnerable/nThe popes formed a partnership with the Franks for military protection/nThe Franks were considered barbarians but were able to provide the needed protection