AD 1545–1563

Council of Trent

The Protestant Reformation and long-standing calls for reform of Church discipline.

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Location
Trent, and briefly Bologna
Leaders
Popes Paul III, Julius III and Pius IV through their legates
Issues discussed
  • Scripture, Tradition and the canon
  • Justification and original sin
  • The sacraments; abuses in indulgences and clerical formation
Decisions made
  • Defined the canon of Scripture, including the deuterocanonical books
  • Taught justification by grace with the necessity of cooperation
  • Reaffirmed seven sacraments and required seminaries in every diocese
Historical impact
Shaped Catholic doctrine, worship and clerical training until the twentieth century.
Original documents

Sources and References