What is the type of carving where the design appears raised from its background?

Relief is a sculptural technique where the sculpted elements remain attached to a solid background of the same material. The term relief is from the Latin verb relevo, to raise. To create a sculpture in relief is to give the impression that the sculpted material has been raised above the background plane.

Explanation:

for many centuries, the catholic church has been a patron of the arts. the church has used various scientific methods to maintain its power.

not 100% sure though!