Question

3. What was the primary goal of the Council of Trent?

Answer 1

The primary goal of the Council of Trent, which took place from 1545 to 1563, was to address and respond to the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation. The Council aimed to clarify Catholic doctrine, reform church practices, and strengthen the authority of the Catholic Church. Key objectives included addressing issues of corruption within the church, establishing clear doctrines related to salvation, the sacraments, and the role of tradition, and reaffirming the authority of the Pope. It played a crucial role in the Counter-Reformation, helping to revitalize the Catholic Church and delineate its teachings in contrast to those of Protestant reformers.