How did the Catholic Church accumulate wealth while many individual Catholics were poor? The Church collected taxes from residents on its lands. It struck a deal with the government for annual financial support. Exempt from taxes on most of its property, the Church also received income from tithes. Additionally, it encouraged conversion from other religions to Catholicism to increase tithe revenues.

The Catholic Church became wealthy through various means, and one key factor was its exemption from certain taxes and the collection of tithes. The correct option is:

The Catholic Church did not have to pay taxes on most of its land, and it collected money from tithes.

During medieval times and into the early modern period, the Catholic Church owned significant amounts of land. The Church often benefited from exemptions that allowed it to avoid paying certain taxes on its extensive landholdings. Additionally, the collection of tithes contributed to the wealth of the Church. Tithes were a mandatory contribution, usually one-tenth of a person's income, which individuals were required to give to the Church to support its activities.

While the Church did engage in charitable works and funded various religious and community services, there were instances where the wealth of the Church was criticized, especially in contrast to the poverty experienced by some individuals.