Final answer:
The Council of Trent ruled that indulgences could still be issued but no longer sold during the Catholic Reformation, which addressed corruption criticized by Martin Luther.Option A is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Catholic Reformation, specifically at the Council of Trent, it was determined that the sale of indulgences would be prohibited, but they could still be issued to the faithful under proper circumstances. Indulgences are mentions of papal acts that reduced the amount of punishment one had to undergo for sins after death, purporting to expedite the soul's entry into heaven by lessening the time in purgatory. The Council addressed the issue due to the criticisms that had arisen, particularly from Martin Luther, who contended that the sale of indulgences as a practice was corrupt and not supported by the Bible.
The Council of Trent, convened between 1545 and 1563, not only addressed the contentious issue of indulgences but played a pivotal role in shaping the course of the Catholic Reformation. Beyond prohibiting the outright sale of indulgences, the Council aimed to reform the Church from within, addressing concerns raised by reformers like Martin Luther. The decrees of Trent reaffirmed the importance of faith and good works in salvation, responding to Protestant critiques while preserving certain aspects of Catholic doctrine. The Council's decisions on indulgences, emphasizing their proper issuance under specific conditions, reflected a nuanced response to criticisms, fostering internal reforms and contributing to the broader transformation of the Catholic Church during this critical period of religious upheaval.