Final answer:
By 1600, the Christian faith led to divisive conflict in Europe. The Catholic Church responded to the rise of Protestantism through the Council of Trent, which reasserted church doctrine and implemented reforms.
Step-by-step explanation:
By 1600, the Christian faith that was once a common bond in Europe had become a source of divisive conflict. One method the Catholic Church used to try to contain the spread of Protestantism was the establishment of the Council of Trent. This council, convened in 1545, reaffirmed Catholic doctrines while addressing some of the concerns that gave rise to the Reformation. It aimed to reform the church's corruption and improve the discipline and administration of the clergy. The council also sought to reinforce church teachings to clear any ambiguities that Protestants had exploited.