Explanation: During the pre-Renaissance period, the Catholic Church had
significant influence over the lives of people in Europe. The Church controlled not only
religious aspects of life but also social, political, and educational systems. It was the primary
authority that dictated moral and ethical standards, and even political leaders were often
answerable to the Church. The Church’s control extended to matters like marriage,
education, and burial. The people’s daily lives were governed by the teachings and rules set
by the clergy, and deviation from these norms was often punished.