Members of the clergy such as bishops and cardinals were advisors to kings and had great influence on them. 

The Pope was only the highest religious authority over the clergy but not a political figure.

Justice was ensured by political and religious rulers in an unequal way, being far more skewed in favor of the upper classes.

Freedom was given by feudal rulers to their followers and clients to the degree that they determined.

Security was provided by local rulers and their knights, who lived in fortified towns and strong castles.