Which group gained the most power, wealth, and influence during the late Middle Ages in Europe?

The group that gained the most power, wealth, and influence during the late Middle Ages in Europe would be the Roman Catholic Church. Following the disintegration of Rome, bishops wielded a great deal of local power across Europe. Missionaries were the primary founts of knowledge, learning, and writing during this time and the Church became well-funded from owning property and earning tithes from Christians across the continent.