Final answer:
In response to the spread of Protestantism, the Pope created the Index of Prohibited Books to ban publications that conflicted with Catholic teachings.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to stop the spread of Protestantism, the Pope made the Index of Prohibited Books. This index was a list of publications deemed heretical, anti-clerical, or lascivious, and therefore banned by the Catholic Church. The Marian exiles, who were influential in shaping the Protestant movement, opposed various Catholic doctrines, including the significance of 'good works' for salvation, clerical celibacy, and high church practices.
Luther's protest against the Catholic Church's practices, especially the sale of indulgences, had ignited the reformation, leading to a divergence in Christian practices and beliefs. The reaction from the Catholic Church included the Council of Trent which sought to address some of the corruption and issues within the Church that had been criticized by Reformers.