2.4 The Catholic Reformation

The Church Reforms Itself

The Catholic Reformation (also called the Counter-Reformation) was the Church's response to Protestant challenges. Its centerpiece was the Council of Trent (1545–1563), which reaffirmed core Catholic doctrine — the seven sacraments, transubstantiation, and salvation through faith and works — while banning the sale of indulgences and standardizing clergy training via seminaries.

New Religious Orders and Reformers

The Jesuits (Society of Jesus), founded by Ignatius of Loyola, became the Church's missionary and educational arm, spreading Catholicism globally and founding schools. Reformers like Teresa of Ávila emphasized mysticism and personal devotion. The Church also used the Index of Forbidden Books and revived the Inquisition to suppress heresy.

Art, Culture, and Impact

The Church embraced Baroque art — dramatic, emotional, and grand — to inspire piety and awe (e.g., Bernini). These reforms revitalized Catholic identity, curbed some Protestant spread in places like Poland and southern Germany, and sharpened the religious divide across Europe, fueling later conflicts like the Thirty Years' War.

Key terms

Council of Trent

1545–1563 council that reaffirmed Catholic doctrine, banned indulgence sales, and reformed clergy training.

Jesuits

Society of Jesus, founded by Ignatius of Loyola; focused on missionary work and education.

Teresa of Ávila

Spanish mystic and reformer emphasizing personal devotion and mysticism within Catholicism.

Index of Forbidden Books

A list of texts banned by the Catholic Church to prevent the spread of heretical or Protestant ideas.

Baroque art

Dramatic, emotional artistic style promoted by the Catholic Church to inspire awe and piety.

Try an AP-style question

The Council of Trent (1545–63)…

1. reaffirmed doctrine and fixed abuses
2. ended the sale of all Bibles
3. accepted most Protestant beliefs
4. abolished the office of the pope