Why Did Four Popes Excommunicate Frederick II

Multiple Choice

Why did four popes excommunicate Frederick II?

A) He wanted to control Italy, and in an era of papal expansion, the popes were threatened by his territorial and imperial claims.
B) He had supported heretical movements, including the Cathars in southern France.
C) He had worked too closely with Jews and Muslims because of his Sicilian ties.
D) He had challenged the authority of the clergy to administer the new sacraments created by the Fourth Lateran Council.