The assembly convened by the Catholic Church to address the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation. It served as a pivotal point in the Counter-Reformation, clarifying Catholic doctrines and implementing reforms within the Church’s structure and practices. Doctrinal pronouncements reaffirmed key Catholic beliefs such as the importance of both Scripture and Tradition, the seven sacraments, and the doctrine of transubstantiation.
Its significance lies in its comprehensive effort to revitalize the Catholic Church and stem the tide of Protestantism. The assembly addressed issues of corruption and abuse within the clergy, established seminaries for the better education of priests, and promoted a renewed sense of discipline and piety. The decrees shaped Catholic theology and practice for centuries to come and solidified the division between Catholicism and Protestantism.