During the European Middle Ages, the Catholic Church played a central role in shaping society, culture, and politics. It was the dominant religious institution, influencing nearly every aspect of life, from education to governance. The Church staffed and operated schools and universities, preserving and transmitting knowledge through monastic scribes. Additionally, it wielded considerable power, acting as a unifying force in a fragmented feudal society and often mediating conflicts between nobles. The Church's teachings and practices also affected art, music, and literature, leading to a profound legacy that shaped European cultural and social developments for centuries.