Knights Templar Were NOT a Threat to Catholic Chur

Actually, exactly the opposite was true. Templars were shock troops that fought bravely, viciously and very efficiently for the Church, protecting the Outremer (Christian Crusader state in the Holy Land). And won quite a few battles.

At peak, Knights Templar had about 15,000 members of whom only .08% (0.8% of the knights) were heretics – all other members were committed Christians. Ark Templar was an insular secret society always limited to 12 members (any expansion would have been too risky and would have gotten them burnt at a stake) so, unlike with Cathars, there was no risk of them expanding and overtaking the Church.

Hence, from a religious perspective, destruction of Knights Templar was an act of immense stupidity. French inquisitors simultaneously destroyed a highly professional, experience, efficient and fearsome fighting force – and equally efficient multinational corporation. Both of which faithfully served the Church.