Council of Trent

The Roman Catholic Church’s response to the Protestant Reformation

Met from 1545-1563

Purpose was to reform the church

Also to address a possible reconciliation with Protestant movements.

Political motivations for C of T

Charles V did not favor anything to alienate Lutheran in HRE further

Political issue within Church over conciliar supremacy over Papacy

Protestants were invited to attend but snubbed the meeting

Results of Council of Trent

Clearly restated the dogmas of faith to refute arguments by Protestants- addressed secret marriages

Reforms in structure of the church Approved new version of the Bible-

Vulgate Created list of Forbidden books

know as the Index to stop the spread of heresy.

New Religious Orders were established

Ursuline order of nuns, founded by Angela Merici, for education of women

Society of Jesus (Jesuits)by Ignatius Loyola in Spain 1534– was to promote piety and love of God through example and education

Opened schools-famous teachers- missionaries

Council of Trent Shortcomings

Did not create reconciliation with Protestants

Created Index as fuel for Inquisition (Galileo will reap consequences)

Did not change fundamental problems Protestants found with Church (corruption, sacraments, control by clergy, lay input/clergy position, taxes to name a few)