The Catholic Church played a central role in medieval European society, functioning as a unifying force that provided spiritual leadership, cultural continuity, and social services. The Church was involved in governance, as it influenced kings and rulers, promoted the idea of divine right, and adjudicated various matters of law and morality. Monasteries and convents were centers of education and literacy, preserving knowledge through the Dark Ages. Additionally, the Church's festivals, rituals, and teachings shaped the daily lives of people, making it an integral part of both public and private life throughout medieval Europe.