Question

Identify two specific ways the Catholic Church tried to stop the spread of Protestantism. (4 points)

Answer 1

1. The Catholic Church established the Roman Inquisition in the 16th century to combat the spread of Protestantism. The Inquisition actively sought out and punished individuals suspected of heresy or Protestant beliefs, often using torture and coercion to force confessions and reconvert individuals back to Catholicism.

2. The Catholic Church also convened the Council of Trent from 1545 to 1563 in an effort to address the issues raised by the Protestant Reformation. The Council reaffirmed many traditional Catholic teachings, clarified Church doctrine, and implemented reforms to combat the spread of Protestantism, such as strengthening the role of the clergy, emphasizing the importance of sacraments, and promoting Catholic education.