Prince-Bishop
A Prince-Bishop was a high-ranking ecclesiastical leader who held both spiritual and temporal authority in certain regions during the Middle Ages. This dual role allowed them to govern territories as secular rulers while also overseeing religious matters within their diocese. The most notable example is the Prince-Bishopric of Würzburg in Germany.
Prince-Bishops often wielded significant power, controlling land, collecting taxes, and maintaining armies. Their influence was particularly strong in areas like Germany and Switzerland, where they played crucial roles in local politics and the administration of justice. This unique position often led to conflicts between church and state.