Final answer:
The Catholic Church responded to the Protestant Reformation with the Catholic Reformation or Counter-Reformation. Reforms were implemented, including changes in the sale of indulgences and the appointment of relatives to church offices. The Church also used art and engaged in missionary activities to counter the spread of Protestantism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Catholic Church responded to the Protestant Reformation with a series of reforms known as the Catholic Reformation or Counter-Reformation. The 1545 Council of Trent was a key event during this period, where the Catholic Church reaffirmed its doctrine and implemented various reforms. Some of these reforms included forbidding the sale of indulgences, limiting the appointment of relatives to church offices, and improving the education of Catholic clergy.
The Catholic Church also engaged in missionary activities to counter the spread of Protestantism. In addition, the Church used art as a means of reaffirming Catholic teachings and communicating biblical stories effectively. The Counter-Reformation had mixed success in preventing further defections to Protestantism, and religious wars between Catholics and Protestants continued for many years.