The Counter-Reformation in Europe
History: KS3, topic 5.3.1
The Counter-Reformation in Europe
In response to the Protestant Reformation, Catholics were driving a ‘Counter-Reformation’.
Aim of the Counter-Reformation
- The Counter-Reformation aimed to reform the Catholic Church from within.
- Reformers such as Girolamo Savonarola (a monk) had tried to reform the Church.
Creation of religious orders
- New religious orders were formed in the Catholic Church. They wanted to bring the Catholic Church back to its original spirituality and move away from its corruption.
- The Society of Jesuits were one of the most famous religious orders.
The Jesuits
- The Jesuits were founded in 1534. The Pope approved the order in 1539.
- The Jesuits focussed on education and wanted to use it to fight the Protestant Reformation.
- The Jesuits set up schools and universities to train priests.
The Council of Trent
- The Council of Trent was held in 1545 and continued until 1563.
- The council, organised by Pope Paul III, aimed to reform the Catholic Church.
The Council of Trent’s Reforms
- Reforms included:
- Better training for priests (creating schools called ‘seminaries’).
- Abolishing indulgences.
- Punishing corrupt clergymen.
- The Council of Trent rejected the doctrine of Protestantism and refused to compromise between it and Catholicism.
Test yourself on The Counter-Reformation in Europe
Which Council was organised by Pope Paul III and aimed to reform the Catholic Church?
Which of the following was NOT one of the Council of Trent’s reforms?