In Barbara W. Tuchman's book, "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century," the author explores the complex relationship between the Holy Roman Emperor and the Pope. Theoretically, the Emperor held a political power that was intended to parallel the Pope’s spiritual leadership over the Christian community. This duality of power reflects a significant aspect of medieval governance and religious authority.

The struggle for supremacy between the Emperor and the Pope highlights the intricate dynamics of church and state during the 14th century. While the Emperor was supposed to wield temporal power, the Pope's spiritual influence often challenged this authority, leading to conflicts that shaped the political and religious landscape of the time. Tuchman's analysis sheds light on the ongoing tensions between secular and ecclesiastical rule in the context of medieval society.