Since ancient times, religion has adapted itself to the prevailing cosmology, and the original study of astronomy was motivated in part by the need to set a calendar for religious feasts. Modern science began in the 17th century with the work of Galileo, Kepler, Newton, and many other lesser-known but still important scientists such as Riccioli. As the only international institution running universities and other centers of learning, the Church has had a long history of supporting, and influencing, how science developed during this time. Over the years, as science changed, the nature of this relationship also changed.