If the essay you have been given to write is about the Friar, you will find the following resources helpful.
Remember to only include contextual information that is relevant to the point you are making. Sprinkling it lightly throughout the essay is a good idea, too, rather than dumping it all in one paragraph.
General context about the play
These videos give a good range of contextual points about the whole play. They contain some great nuggets about the Friar.
Religious upheaval in the 16th Century
During Shakespeare's time, England had recently gone through the Reformation under Henry 8th, when he changed the country from Catholic to Protestant. He was succeeded by another Protestant King, but then Mary Tudor (Bloody Mary) took over, and switched the country back to Catholic. Elizabeth 1 came to power in 1558, and she was a Protestant. Although both religions are forms of Christianity, there are some significant differences, as this video explains:
Was Shakespeare a Catholic or a Protestant? Is his portrayal of the Friar critical or sympathetic of Catholics?
Is the portrayal of the Friar sympathetic? If so, perhaps Shakespeare himself was Catholic at a time when the country was Protestant. Here, a Catholic writer makes the case for this possibility.
The play's setting
This video looks at the significance of when and where the play is set. It gives a careful comparison between London and Verona. There's some useful stuff about religion here. (Try not to get too irritated by how often the narrator says "Right?")
Analysis and context
These videos have some really good analysis of key scenes and speeches, but they also have useful context, usually at the start.
Contemporary ideas about suicide
Suicide: an act of dignity or despair? :: Life and Times :: Internet Shakespeare Editions (uvic.ca)