Question

How did the Catholic Church change as a result of the Council of Trent?

Answer 1

Answer: The Council of Trent changed the practice of selling indulgences and sought better education for clergy in the church, addressing issues which had been attacked by Protestant reformers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Council of Trent, held over a span of years from 1545 to 1563, served to reform some abuses that were acknowledged by the Catholic Church. Mostly, though, the Council aimed to assert the full authority of Roman power and doctrine over the Protestant threat. So reaffirming the authority of the pope was a key measure over against Protestants who had challenged that authority.

Indulgences were attacked by Martin Luther in his 95 Theses, as the catalyst that started the Reformation movement. In regard to indulgences, the Council of Trent upheld the underlying principle -- that the church had authority to grant reprieve to penance or time in purgatory. But the sale of indulgences was stopped. The church recognized that the selling of indulgences had been an abuse and determined to end that practice.

Weaknesses in clergy education were also addressed by the Council of Trent. The Roman Catechism, also known as the Catechism of the Council of Trent, was commissioned by the Council and was published in 1566, with the intent of thoroughly educating the church's clergy.

Answer 2

The Council of Trent was the 19th ecumenical council of the Catholic Church. It was held between 1545 and 1563 in Trento, Italy. It was organized as a response to the Protestant Reformation, and is seen as the most obvious symbol of the Counter-Reformation.

The Council clarified the doctrines that were being challenged by the Protestants. It issued condemnations on the topics that were considered heresies. It also clarified doctrines such as the Biblical canon, the original sins, the sacraments, the mass and the veneration of the saints. The Council played a big role in revitalizing the Church, and strengthening its hold in many parts of Europe.

It was also significant as it motivated changes within the Church. The Vulgate was made the official example of Biblical canon. It also motivated the creation of the Tridentine Creed and the Roman Catechism, and a revision of the Breviary and the Missal. It also led to the codification of the Tridentine Mass (the main mass form for the next four hundred years).