On the other hand it soon grew so great and powerful that it was able to ignore the commands of the popes.

On account of its irresponsible power it was unpopular and was only tolerated because it was so efficient in crushing out the heresy that the people hated.
{413} [Sidenote: Procedure] The annals of its procedure and achievements are one long record of diabolical cruelty, of protracted confinement in dungeons, of endless delay and browbeating to break the spirit, of ingenious tortures and of racked and crushed limbs and of burning flesh.

In mitigation of judgment, it must be remembered that the methods of the civil courts were also cruel at that time, and the punishments severe.
As the guilt of the suspected person was always presumed, every effort was made to secure confession, for in matters of belief there is no other equally satisfactory proof.

Without being told the nature of his crime or who was the informant against him, the person on trial was simply urged to confess.

An advocate was given him only to take advantage of his professional relations with his client by betraying him.