>> the thing you have to really member about this moment in history is there is no other game in town but catholicism, the higher up you get in this organization, which is kind of multinational at this time, the more your influence is, and the pope is the ceo of this global institution. >> and italy at this time was an unbelievably dangerous place to be an important person. >> throughout the renaissance, the church asses exorbitant amount of wealth through property holdings, churches act as local banks, collect tithes and sit on vast amounts of riches. but the church's -- gain favor with the church and garner influence in it. >> you read shakespeare, italy