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Big Question: What role did the Catholic Church play in people’s lives in Medieval Europe?
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As the center of society, the Catholic Church was very powerful and took in a lot of money. People would tithe (pay a tax) to the church, representing 10% of their income.
One way the Church used this wealth was to exert significant influence over political affairs, shape political decisions, and directly impact the political landscape.
The upper levels of the Catholic Church, such as the Pope, were often more powerful than Europe's monarchs. This meant that kings and lords listened to the opinions of the Church when they made decisions.
During the Middle Ages, the majority of individuals did not have direct interactions with the higher ranks of the Catholic Church, unless they were part of the nobility. Instead, it was the local priests who played a significant role in the lives of ordinary people.
In contrast to the wealth and opulence of the Pope, priests led humble lives, dedicating themselves to the well-being of the villages and communities they served.
As a result, priests and local churches became not only centers of worship, but also crucial sources of education and spiritual guidance. It was through the teachings and guidance of these priests that ordinary people were able to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and find solace in times of need.
Moreover, the local churches and priests also took on the responsibility of caring for the sick. In a time when medical knowledge was limited, the local priest often acted as a healer and provided comfort to those who were suffering.