Why did the catholic church express interest in the exploration of foreign lands? (5 points) select one: a. the catholic church was interested in gaining new converts to the religion. b. the catholic church had a large financial interest in controlling trade routes. c. the catholic church was in competition with protestants over trade routes. d. the catholic church thought exploration was the best way to prevent heresy. why did the catholic church express interest in the exploration of foreign lands? (5 points) select one: a. the catholic church was interested in gaining new converts to the religion. b. the catholic church had a large financial interest in controlling trade routes. c. the catholic church was in competition with protestants over trade routes. d. the catholic church thought exploration was the best way to prevent heresy.