Which was the Catholic Church’s most powerful tool in maintaining its authority in medieval Europe?

A.
its missionary work

B.
its monasteries and convents

C.
its control over the sacraments

D.
its hospitals and schools.

C. its control over the sacraments

The Catholic Church's most powerful tool in maintaining its authority in medieval Europe was C. its control over the sacraments. The Church held the power to administer the sacraments, which were seen as necessary for salvation. This control gave the Church great influence and authority over the lives of the people, as they believed that participating in the sacraments was essential for their spiritual well-being and eternal salvation.