Final answer:
The major goal of the Catholic Church during the Crusades (1096-1291) was to expand their territory and influence, protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land, and convert Muslims to Christianity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major goal of the Catholic Church during the Crusades (1096-1291) was all of the above. The Catholic Church aimed to expand their territory and influence by gaining control over the Holy Land. They also sought to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land from Muslim attacks. Additionally, the Church wanted to convert Muslims to Christianity through military conquest. These goals motivated the Crusaders and shaped the course of the Crusades.