Which of the following was an obstacle to calling the Council of Trent?

Question

resistance by secular political leaders
failure of the printing press to spread papal bulls
the excommunication of Martin Luther
protection of Protestants by German princes

Answer 1

The calling of the Council of Trent, which was an important part of the Catholic Church's Counter-Reformation efforts and took place intermittently between 1545 and 1563, faced several obstacles. Here we'll consider each option provided:

1. Resistance by secular political leaders: This was indeed a significant obstacle in convening the Council of Trent. Secular political leaders such as Francis I of France and some German princes were wary of giving the papacy too much influence and authority, which could undermine their own power. Additionally, these leaders were concerned that the Council might make decisions that were contrary to their national interests, particularly because many secular leaders were involved in complex political maneuverings and alliances that often took precedence over religious considerations.

2. Failure of the printing press to spread papal bulls: This was not a significant obstacle for calling the Council of Trent. By the time the Council was being planned in the 16th century, the printing press was already effective in disseminating various texts, including religious and official documents. In fact, the invention of the printing press had played a critical role in spreading the ideas of the Reformation, demonstrating its efficacy in communication. Papal bulls and other documents could be, and were, printed and distributed widely.

3. The excommunication of Martin Luther: The excommunication of Martin Luther in 1521 was not an obstacle to calling the Council itself, although it was a factor in the broader context of the Reformation, which led to the eventual calling of the Council. Luther’s excommunication was the Church's punitive response to his critiques and challenge to its authority, which in turn exacerbated the schism and highlighted the need for the Church to address the issues raised by the Reformers.

4. Protection of Protestants by German princes: Similar to the resistance by secular political leaders, the protection of Protestant populations by German princes (most notably by those who supported the Schmalkaldic League) did create a barrier to convening the Council. Protestant territories in the Holy Roman Empire were less likely to adhere to any decrees from a council called by the Pope, and the princes' protection of their Protestant subjects limited the Church's ability to enforce its decisions within those territories.

So, among the provided choices, it's accurate to say that resistance by secular political leaders and the protection of Protestants by German princes were significant obstacles to calling the Council of Trent. These political and religious divisions within Europe made it challenging to convene a council that could address the issues arising out of the Reformation in a manner acceptable to all Christendom.