During the Medieval Europe, two different Christian churches emerged, the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Orthodox Christian Church in the East. However, the Roman Catholic Church later grew and became the prime stabilizing force in Western Europe playing significance roles in the medieval society. The Church was embraced by various leaders such as kings and queens who died embracing the Catholic faith. The Roman Catholic Church was significant during the period for providing religious leadership also including worldly or secular leadership, providing spiritual and secular teaching to the people, acting as a significant economic power, and administering justice by acting as the court of justice. The Church also played a significant role in preserving and reviving learning.

The Roman Catholic Church was headed by the Pope who was regarded as the spiritual representative of Jesus by the followers. Other leaders also existed below the pope who included Cardinals archbishops, bishops, and local priests. The everyday lives of town dwellers and peasants was closely tangled the village churches that were led by the local priests. The church’s main role was to provide spiritual need of the medieval society. The functions were performed by the local priests who gave instructions to townspeople and peasant in the faith and gave them comfort during the times of trouble.

The Church gave spiritual teachings to all men and women. The Church taught that everyone was a sinner but Christians could attain eternal life or salvation in heaven by having faith in Jesus, participating in sacraments, doing good actions, and participating in spiritual rituals. Furthermore, the Roman Catholic Church was significance during the Medieval Europe because of its role in filling many secular roles. It was the largest landholder in Europe, hence it had significant economic power.

It also acquired immense wealth through the tithe offered from its Christian followers. In addition, the Roman Catholic Church played the role of administering justice by acting as courts of justice using its own set of laws known as canon law. Even though the monarchs did not recognize its authority, the Church claimed to have authority over secular leaders.