What was the primary goal of the Counter-Reformation in the 16th century? 🔊
The primary goal of the Counter-Reformation in the 16th century was to address the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation and to reform the Catholic Church from within. In response to the critiques of corruption and abuses, the Church initiated a series of reforms aimed at renewing faith and improving practices. The Council of Trent (1545-1563) was pivotal, clarifying Catholic doctrine and reaffirming the importance of tradition, sacraments, and the role of priests. The Counter-Reformation also emphasized the use of art and education as tools for promoting Catholicism, leading to the Baroque artistic movement and the establishment of new religious orders, such as the Jesuits.
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