What was the role of the Christian church in medieval European society?

The role of the church since the Middle Ages has been enormous. She stood above the state, above the kings. The rulers, fearing the discontent of the Pope, could not make serious decisions without his approval. The Church controlled all spheres of society, especially spiritual and political. The culture was in great decline. Science also suffered a lot; it should not have run counter to the dogmas of the church. Those who thought differently were declared heretics and were persecuted and persecuted. No wonder the Middle Ages are called “dark”.