Title, Sorry if I've worded it poorly. I'm just interested in the transitory period of European late antiquity and the formation of the Papal States etc.
I think that you could, in a way, because there were Christian emperors of Rome and obviously the heart of Catholicism lies within Rome itself. Many Popes held great political power and used their positions to make waves within the city and the religion. It's not a direct link but I believe there is some truth in that argument.