Why did European empire builders seek support from the Roman Catholic Church as they began their global expansion efforts?(1 point)

Responses

European leaders thought they might need help from the Roman Catholic Church to fight against Indigenous peoples.
European leaders thought they might need help from the Roman Catholic Church to fight against Indigenous peoples.

The Roman Catholic Church was so powerful that European countries did not feel it possible to do anything without its support.
The Roman Catholic Church was so powerful that European countries did not feel it possible to do anything without its support.

Colonized peoples refused to accept European control unless it was supported by a higher power.
Colonized peoples refused to accept European control unless it was supported by a higher power.

Having support from such a powerful organization helped European empire builders feel like God supported their work and would help them.
Having support from such a powerful organization helped European empire builders feel like God supported their work and would help them.

1 answer

The most accurate response to why European empire builders sought support from the Roman Catholic Church as they began their global expansion efforts is:

Having support from such a powerful organization helped European empire builders feel like God supported their work and would help them.

This reflects the intertwining of religious motives with imperial ambitions, as many Europeans believed that their conquests were divinely sanctioned and that the Church's endorsement would lend legitimacy to their endeavors.