What statement did the Council of Trent make regarding justification?

The Council of Trent asserted that justification is understood as a process that involves both faith and works. This was a critical response to the Reformation, particularly to Martin Luther's emphasis on justification by faith alone. The Council clarified that while faith is essential, it must be complemented by good works as evidence of faith's sincerity and effectiveness. This dual emphasis aimed to uphold the importance of the sacraments and the role of the Church in the salvation process, countering the notion that faith was entirely separate from actions. By establishing this understanding, the Council sought to provide a comprehensive theological framework that aligned with Catholic doctrine and addressed the concerns raised by Protestant reformers.