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{{short description|19th ecumenical council of the Catholic Church (1545–1563)}}

'''Council of Trent''' (Latin: ''Concilium Tridentinum''), the nineteenth [[ecumenical council]] of the [[Catholic Church]], was held in the city of [[Trento]] (Trent) in northern Italy over three periods from 1545 to 1563. Convened by Pope Paul III in response to the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation, the council addressed both doctrinal questions contested by Protestant reformers and the need for internal reform within the Church.<ref name="NewAdventTrent">{{cite web |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15030c.htm |title=Catholic Encyclopedia: Council of Trent |publisher=New Advent}}</ref>

The Council of Trent clarified and defined key Catholic doctrines, including the canon of Sacred Scripture (affirming the deuterocanonical books), the role of Sacred Tradition alongside Scripture, justification by faith and works, the seven sacraments, the sacrificial nature of the Mass, and the veneration of saints and sacred images. It also enacted significant disciplinary reforms, such as requiring bishops to reside in their dioceses, establishing seminaries for priestly formation, and correcting abuses related to indulgences.<ref name="NewAdventTrent"/> These decrees were confirmed by Pope Pius IV in the bull ''Benedictus Deus'' on 26 January 1564.<ref name="NewAdventTrent"/>

As of December 2025, the Council of Trent remains a foundational reference for Catholic doctrine, influencing the Counter-Reformation and subsequent Church teaching, including the ''Catechism of the Catholic Church'' (1992), which frequently cites its definitions.<ref>{{cite book |title=Catechism of the Catholic Church |publisher=Libreria Editrice Vaticana |year=1994}}</ref>

== History ==

The call for a general council to address abuses in the Church and doctrinal disputes predated the Protestant Reformation, with earlier attempts under Popes Martin V and Eugene IV. However, political conflicts, including wars between Emperor Charles V and King Francis I of France, delayed its convocation.<ref name="NewAdventTrent"/>

Pope Paul III issued the bull ''Laetare Jerusalem'' on 19 November 1544, summoning the council to open in Trent on 15 March 1545, though it formally began on 13 December 1545. The council proceeded in three main periods: 1545–1547 (under Paul III), 1551–1552 (under Julius III), and 1562–1563 (under Pius IV), with interruptions due to war, plague, and political negotiations.<ref name="NewAdventTrent"/>

Attendance varied, with a maximum of about 255 voting members in the final period. The council fathers included cardinal legates, archbishops, bishops, and theologians, predominantly from Italy and Spain, though representatives from other regions participated.<ref name="NewAdventTrent"/>

The council's work combined dogmatic decrees responding to Protestant teachings with reform decrees aimed at clerical discipline and pastoral care.

=== First Period (1545–1547) ===
The early sessions focused on foundational issues: the Nicene Creed, the canon of Scripture (including deuterocanonical books), Sacred Tradition as a source of revelation, original sin, and justification.<ref name="NewAdventTrent"/>

=== Second Period (1551–1552) ===
Sessions addressed the sacraments of the Eucharist, Penance, and Extreme Unction, reaffirming transubstantiation and the sacrificial character of the Mass.<ref name="NewAdventTrent"/>

=== Third Period (1562–1563) ===
The final sessions treated Holy Orders, Matrimony, Purgatory, indulgences, the veneration of saints and relics, and sacred images, while issuing comprehensive reform decrees.<ref name="NewAdventTrent"/>

== Doctrinal Definitions ==

The Council of Trent systematically addressed doctrines challenged during the Reformation. In its fourth session (8 April 1546), it decreed the canon of Scripture, affirming 73 books (46 Old Testament, 27 New Testament) as contained in the Vulgate, and anathematizing those who rejected them.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03274a.htm |title=Catholic Encyclopedia: Canon of the New Testament |publisher=New Advent}}</ref>

On justification (sixth session, 13 January 1547), the council taught that it involves both faith and cooperating works, prepared by grace, rejecting sola fide.<ref name="NewAdventTrent"/>

The council defined seven sacraments as instituted by Christ, necessary for salvation, and conferring grace ex opere operato (seventh session, 3 March 1547).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.papalencyclicals.net/councils/trent.htm |title=The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent}}</ref>

Regarding the Eucharist (thirteenth session, 11 October 1551), it reaffirmed transubstantiation and the real presence of Christ.<ref name="NewAdventTrent"/>

The twenty-fifth session (3–4 December 1563) addressed Purgatory, invocation of saints, relics, and images, emphasizing their pedagogical and devotional value.<ref name="NewAdventTrent"/>

== Reforms and Significance in Catholic Tradition ==

The Council of Trent enacted extensive reforms to address acknowledged abuses. It mandated episcopal residence, prohibited pluralism and simony, and required the establishment of seminaries in every diocese for the systematic formation of clergy (twenty-third session).<ref name="NewAdventTrent"/>

These measures contributed to the renewal of pastoral life, education of priests, and discipline in the Church, forming the basis of the Catholic or Counter-Reformation.

The council's dogmatic definitions remain authoritative, providing clarity on disputed points and serving as a touchstone for Catholic theology. Its influence is evident in the Roman Catechism (1566), commissioned to expound its teachings, and in later councils, including Vatican II, which built upon its legacy while emphasizing continuity.<ref>{{cite book |title=Catechism of the Catholic Church |publisher=Libreria Editrice Vaticana |year=1994 |paragraphs= on sacraments and justification}}</ref>

The decrees underscore the Church's commitment to both fidelity to tradition and necessary reform, guided by the Holy Spirit.

== External links ==
* [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15030c.htm Catholic Encyclopedia: Council of Trent]
* [https://www.papalencyclicals.net/councils/trent.htm The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent (Papal Encyclicals Online)]
* [https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/index.htm Historical Councils (Vatican resources, including references to Trent)]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Ecumenical councils]]
[[Category:Catholic Church history]]
[[Category:Counter-Reformation]]
[[Category:16th century in the Catholic Church]]