What historical events highlighted the church's influence on the Catalan language in Mallorca?

The church played a significant role in the development and preservation of the Catalan language in Mallorca, particularly during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. One of the critical events was the establishment of the Kingdom of Mallorca in 1230, when James I of Aragon annexed the island. This led to the expansion of Catalan linguistic and cultural influence, especially through the church, which became a primary institution for education and literacy.

By the 14th century, the Catalan language was used in ecclesiastical settings, including liturgy and religious texts, reinforcing its status in both the public and private spheres. The influence of the church continued throughout the 15th century, as religious orders such as the Franciscans and Dominicans were instrumental in promoting Catalan through sermons, educational missions, and translation of religious texts.

Furthermore, the Council of Barcelona in 1300, which urged for the use of the vernacular in religious practices, encouraged the use of Catalan in Mallorca's churches. This was part of a broader movement that sought to make religious teachings more accessible to the local populace. The church’s support for the Catalan language persisted, even amidst pressures from Castilian and other languages in later centuries, cementing its place in the cultural and religious identity of Mallorca.