By presenting their views, I hope to show the Ottomans were perceived as a fatal end, but not the worst outcome possible. Orthodox authorities perceived an invasion by the Latins as worse, for they would not afford them autonomy which might be hoped under Muslims. The land might remain under Christian rule, but the Orthodox churches would have to yield to papal supremacy. While the Muslim conquest might lead to a change of the head of state, the churches would not be forced to make any doctrinal changes or alter their church hierarchy.

DEFINE: Explains how religious authorities weighed political versus doctrinal autonomy: Ottomans left church hierarchy alone while Latins demanded papal supremacy.

Ali Qureshi, The Fall of Constantinople, loc. 26