The Catholic Counter-Reformation

The Catholic Counter-Reformation was a period of Catholic renewal and response to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th and 17th centuries. It aimed to address internal corruption, clarify Catholic doctrines, and reaffirm church authority. Key elements included the Council of Trent (1545-1563), which reformed church practices, and the founding of new religious orders like the Jesuits to promote Catholic teachings. It also involved reclaiming territories and individuals lost to Protestantism. Overall, the Counter-Reformation strengthened the Catholic Church's spiritual, theological, and organizational foundation in response to the challenges posed by Protestant reformers.