Question

Why was the Roman Catholic Church so powerful in Europe during the Middle Ages?

A.
Large numbers of new believers converted to the faith.
B.
Church officials controlled knowledge and learning and often held influential positions in government.
C.
The Protestant Reformation decreased the influence of Protestant faiths, making the Catholic Church more powerful.
D.
Wealthy areas adopted Christianity after the Muslims were defeated in the Crusades

Answer 1

C. The most important members of this community were found outside the hierarchy of the church government in the monasteries that dotted Europe. ... During the high Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church became organized into an elaborate hierarchy with the pope as the head in western Europe. He establish supreme power.

Answer 2

B. Church officials controlled Knowledge and learning and often held influential positions in government.