What was a major focus of the Council of Trent?

The Council of Trent, convened between 1545 and 1563, primarily focused on reforming Church practices and addressing corruption within the Catholic Church. This was a response to the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation, which criticized various aspects of Church authority, practices, and teachings.

One of the key goals of the council was to respond to the issues that had led to the Reformation, such as the sale of indulgences and other forms of corruption that were prevalent in the Church at the time. The council enacted significant reforms aimed at improving clerical education and discipline, promoting moral integrity among clergy, and safeguarding the proper administration of sacraments.

In addition to reforming practices, the council also clarified and affirmed Catholic doctrine, which was essential for countering Protestant claims. However, the core focus on reforming practices was essential to restore confidence in the Church and its leaders, making it a major aspect of the Council's work.