Final answer:
The Roman Catholic Church launched a counter-reformation against the Protestant Reformation in response to the challenges it posed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Roman Catholic Church launched a counter-reformation against the Protestant Reformation. The Protestant Reformation, led by figures like Martin Luther, challenged the authority and practices of the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century. In response, the Roman Catholic Church initiated the Counter-Reformation, a comprehensive effort aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation.
The Counter-Reformation had varying degrees of success in keeping Catholics within the church and countering the spread of Protestantism. Throughout this period, art, culture, and the political landscape of Europe were significantly influenced, with religion often being intertwined with governance and legitimacy.