How did the Catholic Church lose power in Europe and why?

The Catholic Church lost power in Europe primarily due to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, which challenged its authority and led to the establishment of Protestant denominations. The rise of secularism, the Enlightenment, and emerging nationalist movements further eroded its influence as people began to prioritize reason and individual rights over religious dogma. Additionally, events such as the French Revolution diminished the Church's political power and prompted the confiscation of its properties. These factors collectively contributed to a decline in the Church's dominance in European society.