What replaced the political unity provided by imperial Rome after its collapse in western Europe?

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The Christian church, particularly through the authority of the bishop of Rome (the Pope), played a central role in providing a sense of cultural and spiritual unity across western Europe after the collapse of imperial Rome. This unity was not political in the sense of a single governmental authority, but the Church's widespread influence and network provided a cohesive framework that helped fill the void left by the fall of the Roman Empire.

What Replaced the Political Unity Provided by Imperial Rome After