Tridentinum

Tridentinum, also known as the Council of Trent, was a significant ecumenical council of the Catholic Church held from 1545 to 1563 in the city of Trent, in the Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige. The council was convened by Pope Paul III to address various issues within the Church, including the Protestant Reformation, the sale of indulgences, and the need for reform within the Church hierarchy. The council is notable for its comprehensive and detailed decrees, which had a lasting impact on Catholic theology, liturgy, and discipline.

The council was attended by 322 bishops and 1,200 other delegates, including theologians, canonists, and representatives from various orders. The sessions were characterized by intense debate and controversy, with some delegates advocating for radical reforms, while others sought to maintain the status quo. The council's work was marked by the presence of influential figures such as Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, and Charles Borromeo, the archbishop of Milan.

The council's decrees, known as the Decrees of Trent, covered a wide range of topics, including the nature of the Eucharist, the role of the Church in society, and the proper conduct of the clergy. The decrees also addressed the issue of the sale of indulgences, which had been a major point of contention during the Reformation. The council's condemnation of the sale of indulgences was a significant factor in the eventual decline of the practice.

The council's work was completed in 1563, and the decrees were formally approved by Pope Pius IV. The Decrees of Trent had a profound impact on the Catholic Church, shaping its theology, liturgy, and discipline for centuries to come. The council's legacy continues to be studied and debated by scholars and theologians today.