Around Florence, the Medici were known as "God’s banker.” How did this reputation help them gain and hold onto political power?

A. By giving low-interest loans to the Church, the Medici raised their chances of going to heaven--people were in awe of this.

B. Everyone knew that the Medici had supporters high within the Church hierarchy, and the Church was very powerful.

C. Being "God's banker" allowed the Medici to spend money they would not have access to otherwise.

D. The Medici used the high interest they received from loans to the Pope to buy political favors around Florence.