CatholicCounter

Reformation

The Catholic Church responded to the schism within Christendom by

1. Reasserting the pope’s authority2. Strengthening it’s own organization

Pope Paul IV 1555-1559

retreated into doctrinal orthodoxy and aggressive repression

He established The Index- a list of forbidden books

To combat, contain, and eliminate “error” in all forms, Paul IV invented the “ghetto,” ordering all Jews living in the Papal States to reside in specific neighborhoods, which they could leave only at certain times. He stated that Jews were responsible for killing Christ and therefore ought to be made slaves. In much of Catholic Europe, Jews had to wear yellow caps to identify themselves, could not own land, and were excluded from most professions.

Ignatius of Loyola and the Jesuits

Ignatius was a dashing Basque noble. While recovering from a grave battle injury, he read an account of Christ and saints. Upon recovery he made a pilgrimage to a Spanish monastery, left his sword in the chapel, gave his rich robe to a poor man, put on a sackcloth and traveled throughout Spain and Italy.

He attracted followers.

He organized the Society of Jesus or Jesuits which was approved by the Pope

Ignatius of Loyola and the Jesuits

Jesuits became aggressive crusaders for the Catholic Reformation.

They provided a model of organization and discipline for the Catholic Church

Jesuits traveled throughout Europe and North and South America, converting thousands to Catholicism

They became the educational branch of the Catholic Church

The Council of Trent

The Council of Trent

Official church meetings in the city of Trent

It declared the following official Catholic statements:

1. Reject Reformation doctrine

2. Reaffirmed authority of the Pope

3. Opposed the marriage of clerics

4. Reaffirmed belief in Purgatory

5. Yes to indulgences but they cannot be sold

The Protestant Reformation emphasized the religious life of the individual and the development of his or her own personal piety through Bible study and devotion.

The Catholic Reformation too, now encouraged individual forms of devotion and spirituality

World Map of Catholicism

World Map of Religiosity