The Catholic Response to the Protestant Reformation

Internal ReformReexamine, revise and/or reaffirm key beliefsNew Orders

Ursuline NunsJesuit Priests

Intolerance of heresyExternal Struggle (vs. advancing Protestants)

Counter-reformationPolitical, military implications

The Catholic Reformation

Pope Paul III (pontificate 1534-49)Finally embraces

reform; initiates from the papacy

Establishes the Holy OfficeIncludes Roman

Inquisition: six cardinals ultimate judicial power over all Catholics

Calls a General council (18 year-meeting!)

The Council of Trent

1. Scriptures and traditions are the basis of religious truth and authority 2. Reaffirms seven sacraments (Baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance or reconciliation, anointing the sick, holy orders, marriage)3. Disciplines bishops, forbids simony, sale of indulgences, concubines for clerics4. Calls for a more educated clergy5. Marriage in public in front of a priest, two witnesses

Outcome of Trent: The Key Points

LoyolaFounded 1540Soldiers of ChristHumanistic education for allMissionary emphasis1986 film, “The Mission”

The Jesuits

French Calvinists (10% or pop)French Monarchy cozies up to the Pope, King

favors CatholicismReligious Wars 1562-1598St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre (1572)

Huguenots

1598Henry IV “Paris is well worth

a mass.”“freedom of conscience” granted

to French Calvinists (Huguenots)Designated areas where Huguenots could live

(not Paris!)No exemptions from tithes or Catholic

HolidaysRevoked in 1685 by Louis XIV

The Edict of Nantes

“[W]e have permitted and do permit to those of the Reformed Religion, to live and dwell in all the Cities and places of this our Kingdom and Countreys under our obedience, without being inquired after, vexed, molested, or compelled to do any thing in Religion, contrary to their Conscience...”

From the Edict of Nantes