The "Western Church" primarily refers to the Christian churches that developed in Western Europe, particularly after the Great Schism of 1054. This division separated the Western Church, led by the Pope in Rome, from the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Western Church includes various denominations, such as Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and Anglicanism. Historically, the Western Church played a significant role in shaping European culture, politics, and education. It was influential during the Middle Ages, contributing to the establishment of universities and the preservation of classical knowledge. The Reformation in the 16th century further diversified the Western Church, leading to the emergence of numerous Protestant denominations.