Council of Trent

Q: What was the Council of Trent?

The Council of Trent was a conference held by Catholic clergy to reform abuses and errors in the Church and affirm traditional Church teachings and authority.

Q: When was the Council of Trent?

The Council of Trent was in session between 1545-1563. It did not meet for all 18 years, however, but in three sessions totaling 25 meetings. First Session: 1545-1549. Second Session: 1551-1552. Third Session: 1562-1563.

Q: Why was the Council of Trent convened?

The Council of Trent was convened in response to the Protestant Reformation, which had challenged the authority of the Catholic Church.

Q: What did the Council of Trent accomplish?

The Council of Trent reaffirmed the authority and centrality of the Catholic Church, reformed abuses within the Church, codified scripture, established seminaries for a better-educated clergy, and condemned the Protestant Reformation as heresy.

Joshua J. Mark

Definition

The Council of Trent (1545-1563) was a meeting of Catholic clerics convened by Pope Paul III (served 1534-1549) in response to the Protestant Reformation. In three separate sessions, the council reaffirmed the authority of the Catholic Church, codified scripture, reformed abuses, and condemned Protestant theology, establishing the vision and goals of the Catholic Counter-Reformation.

More about: Council of Trent

Timeline

1545 - 1563
Dates of the Council of Trent.
1545 - 1549
First Session of the Council of Trent.
13 Dec 1545
The Council of Trent begins in Trent, Italy, as part of the Catholic Counter Reformation in response to the Protestant Reformation, addressing ecclesiastical corruption while clarifying Catholic doctrine and reaffirming the Church's vision and authority. The council convened for 25 sessions until December 4, 1563.
1551 - 1552
Second Session of the Council of Trent.
1562 - 1563
Third Session of the Council of Trent.
1564
Decrees and Canons of the Council of Trent ratified by the pope.