Middle ages.

... Middle Ages RELIGION The Catholic Church was the only church in Europe during the Middle Ages, and it had its own laws and large funds. Church leaders such as bishops and archbishops were on the king's council and played leading roles in government. Bishops, who were often wealthy and came from noble families, ruled over groups of parishes. Parish priests, on the other hand, came from poorer backgrounds and often had little education. The village priest tended to help the poor and, if he was able, taught Latin and the Bible to the youth of the village. In the Middle Ages the Church encouraged people to make pilgrimages to special holy places called shrines. It was believed that if you prayed at these shrines you might be forgiven for your sins and have more chance of going to heaven. Others went to shrines hoping to be cured from an illness they were

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