Imperial church system

[1] Rulers did this because celibate clergymen could not produce legitimate heirs who could claim their inheritance at death, and thus not establish regional dynasties that could threaten the power of the ruling family.

Upon their deaths, the areas governed by celibate clerics automatically reverted to the ruler, who could then appoint their own new confidants to the position and thus retain control of all parts of the realm.

The Ottonians even managed to control the bishops of Rome, who were in the process of achieving papal primacy inside Western Christendom.

[4] This enabled them to appoint their confidants, thus nullifying the emperors' advantages and thus interest in maintaining and enlarging the Imperial church system.

Although some prince-bishoprics continued to exist until the French Revolution or even the German mediatisation (1803), they gradually declined in number and power in subsequent centuries.