Not often we have reasons to stay ahead of the pack these days, but in the past if it's for conquering or political reasons, they kill lots and lots of people to stay in their position, like kings. (though then again there's also the chance that they're just sadistic and like seeing people die in gruesome ways...or because they want the throne so they kill off all the competitors)
I'm not saying that laws are made because of religion, just that religion often have influence over some of the rules that are set.

Oh. Sorry for the mistake about the Pope.
I'm aware that in ancient times Buddhists get their food from other people's charity only, but wasn't aware that meat is also allowed, considering how everyone I know tells me that they are vegetarians and there was that famous fictional guy Lu Zhishen from the Water Margin who was kicked out by his fellow monks because he ate a dog.

...Then I looked up on Buddhism and vegetarianism and it seems that it differs from school to school, so the Theravada school says they could eat meat (except for a select few types) while the Mahayana school says they can't eat meat at all. I guess the Mahayana is more popular around here since all I've heard since I grew up was about how the more devoted Buddhists are all vegetarians...