The great change that ended the Roman Catholic Church's dominance over all of Europe was a complex process with multiple contributing factors, but a key event was the
Protestant Reformation.
Here's why, and some other contributing factors:
* The Protestant Reformation (16th Century): Led by figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin, the Reformation challenged the authority of the Pope and the Catholic Church on doctrinal, political, and economic grounds. It led to the establishment of new Protestant denominations (Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, etc.) that rejected papal authority and the centralized control of the Catholic Church. This fractured the religious unity of Europe.
While the Reformation was a major catalyst, other important factors contributed to the decline of the Church's absolute power:
* The Renaissance: The Renaissance fostered a spirit of humanism, individualism, and critical inquiry, which challenged traditional authorities, including the Church. The renewed interest in classical learning also exposed discrepancies between the Church's teachings and historical sources.
* Rise of Nation-States: The growing power of secular rulers and nation-states challenged the Church's political influence. Monarchs increasingly asserted their authority over religious matters within their territories and sought to control Church wealth and appointments.
* The Printing Press: The invention of the printing press facilitated the rapid dissemination of new ideas, including those critical of the Church. This allowed for wider access to religious texts and theological debates, empowering individuals to interpret scripture for themselves.
* Religious Wars: The Reformation led to a series of religious wars across Europe, further weakening the Church's authority and demonstrating the limits of its power to enforce religious uniformity.
* The Enlightenment: Later, the Enlightenment further promoted reason, skepticism, and secularism, continuing to erode the Church's influence in intellectual and political life.
Therefore, while the Protestant Reformation was a pivotal turning point, it was part of a broader historical transformation that gradually diminished the Roman Catholic Church's dominance over Europe. It's important to see it as a process rather than a single event instantly overturning centuries of power.