The Counter Reformation: The Pope Reasserts His Authority
During the Catholic Reformation (also known as the counter-reformation) of the 16th century, the Catholic Church itself reformed, while also succeeding in winning back some the souls it had lost to the fledging Protestant denominations.
At first, the Catholic Church responded ineffectively to the new religious trends. But when Luther refused to recant and German princes started to convert to Lutheranism, the Catholic Church began to institute reforms, which were led by Spain, a dedicated Catholic country. By banning the sale of indulgences, consulting more frequently with bishops and parishes, and training its priests to live the Catholic life instead of preaching it, the Catholic Church regained some of its lost credibility. However, make no mistake, the counter-reformation was as much about reaffirming as it was about reforming, and the church made it clear that it was not bowing to Protestant demands, but rather clarifying its position. Weekly mass became obligatory, and the supreme authority of the pope was reestablished. During this time, a former Spanish soldier and intellectual, Ignatius Loyola found the society of the Jesuits. The Jesuits practiced self-control and moderation, believing that prayer and good works led to salvation. The pious example of the Jesuits led to a stricter training system and higher expectations of morality for the clergy. Because of their oratorical and political skills, many Jesuits were appointed by kings to high palace positions.
A group of church officials held a series of meetings known as the Council of Trent to direct the counterreformation period from 1545 to 1563, dictating and defining the Catholic interpretation of religious doctrine and clarifying the Catholic Church's position on important religious questions, such as the nature of salvation. During this period, heretics were once again tried and punished, and the Catholic Church re-established Latin as the language used in worship.
At first, the Catholic Church responded ineffectively to the new religious trends. But when Luther refused to recant and German princes started to convert to Lutheranism, the Catholic Church began to institute reforms, which were led by Spain, a dedicated Catholic country. By banning the sale of indulgences, consulting more frequently with bishops and parishes, and training its priests to live the Catholic life instead of preaching it, the Catholic Church regained some of its lost credibility. However, make no mistake, the counter-reformation was as much about reaffirming as it was about reforming, and the church made it clear that it was not bowing to Protestant demands, but rather clarifying its position. Weekly mass became obligatory, and the supreme authority of the pope was reestablished. During this time, a former Spanish soldier and intellectual, Ignatius Loyola found the society of the Jesuits. The Jesuits practiced self-control and moderation, believing that prayer and good works led to salvation. The pious example of the Jesuits led to a stricter training system and higher expectations of morality for the clergy. Because of their oratorical and political skills, many Jesuits were appointed by kings to high palace positions.
A group of church officials held a series of meetings known as the Council of Trent to direct the counterreformation period from 1545 to 1563, dictating and defining the Catholic interpretation of religious doctrine and clarifying the Catholic Church's position on important religious questions, such as the nature of salvation. During this period, heretics were once again tried and punished, and the Catholic Church re-established Latin as the language used in worship.