Religious Motivations for European Exploration

In the late 15th century, European exploration was influenced by a confluence of economic, technological, and religious factors. Emerging from the Crusades, contact with the East had introduced Europeans to a variety of new goods and ideas. The desire for wealth and trade led to increased competition among European nations. Additionally, advancements in navigation technology and shipbuilding played a crucial role in enabling long-distance sea travel. To explore these motivations further, which of the following was a crucial religious factor that spurred European exploration during this era?