What language was used in the Catholic Church and scholarly works during the Middle Ages?

During the Middle Ages, Latin was the predominant language used in the Catholic Church and for scholarly works. This choice is significant because Latin served as the lingua franca of the educated elite and the clergy across Europe. It was the language in which the liturgy of the church was conducted, and the majority of religious texts, theological writings, and scholarly works were composed in Latin.

The use of Latin ensured that religious teachings and academic discourse could be shared and understood across different regions, despite the variety of vernacular languages spoken by the general populace. This practice also reinforced the authority of the Church and the scholarly community, as literacy in Latin was limited to a small educated class that could interpret and disseminate knowledge.

In contrast, the other languages listed—Italian, English, and French—were largely limited to regional use and did not have the same widespread influence in religious and academic circles during this period. While these languages eventually gained prominence, especially during the later Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Latin remained the essential language for official Church matters and scholarly communication for many centuries.