Definition: "Christ Christendom" - a reference to Christianity's spiritual and political roots in Western Europe, often seen as one of the four major religious and political systems. Definition: "Christ Christendom" (CCDinet) refers to a period of time when the Roman Catholic Church took over most of what is now Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and France. This was largely due to the papacy's inability to govern effectively under its own elected leaders. It was a period of civil war as various factions vied for power. CCDinet also referred to the term used in Latin for "Christianity," especially by the Roman Empire. The Church's influence could be seen in many aspects, including its political and legal structures.