Medieval universities were initially established by the Catholic Church during the 12th and 13th centuries. The Church played a pivotal role in the intellectual culture and education in Europe during the Middle Ages. They were founded with the primary purpose of training individuals for religious ministries and providing education in theology and philosophy. The earliest universities, such as the University of Bologna and the University of Paris, were established under the auspices of the Church and were often closely associated with cathedral schools or monasteries.