Christianity introduced to the “New Europe” a clear idea of ​​one God, one faith, one ruler, and one political nation. Alongside Christianity came the concepts of power continuity, dynastic politics and strict feudal hierarchy; the ruler was regarded as a vassal of God (Rex Dei vicarius), tasked with defending the state, the Church etc. In essence, Christianity served both as a unifying religious force and as a political framework for state consolidation.

Lithuania, however, built its statehood under the influence of three new factors: the idea of ​​the Crusades, the belief that the Apostolic See was the sole authority legitimizing royal power, and, finally, the Mongol conquest. The report will analyze how Mindaugas solidified his authority both in Lithuania and abroad. He embraced the political theology shaped by the Pope, adopting the image of rex iustissimus and laying the military foundations for a political nation.