What role did the western church play in politics and culture of Europe?

The Church represented unity at the time. Popes had alliances with the kings up until the investiture controversy. After that, the kings and popes began to dispute their legal jurisdiction, and eventually the feudal, canon, and legal systems began to compete with each other. The monasteries were founded by Benedict of Nursia afterwards, and these centers were big on culture. Convents were also available for women. The Cluniac and Cistercian reform movements were enacted to maintain discipline.