What role did the Catholic Church play in people's lives during the Middle Ages?

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.

Many innovations took place in the creative arts during the high Middle Ages.

Literacy was no longer merely requirement among the clergy.

Even so, the Church maintained its power and exercised enormous influence over people's daily lives from the king on his throne to the peasant in the field. The Church regulated and defined an individual's life, literally, from birth to death and was thought to continue its hold over the person's soul in the afterlife, and most of Europe was Catholic so the Church had a grasp on most of the population.

The church building was the center of community activity and many parts of daily life. Religious services were held several times a day.

Town meetings, plays, and concerts were also held in churches.

Merchants had shops around the square in front of the church. Farmers sold their produce in the

square, and markets, festivals, and fairs were held there, as well.  

I am a Christian, but I have learned about many things in my past years.

I hope all of you stay safe,

and God bless you!