Identify two specific ways the Catholic Church tried to stop the spread of Protestantism. short
1. The Catholic Church established the Inquisition in the late 15th century as a means to suppress Protestant beliefs and practices. This judicial institution was responsible for identifying, prosecuting, and punishing individuals suspected of heresy, including those who held Protestant beliefs. The Inquisition used methods such as torture and execution to deter people from converting to Protestantism and to maintain the dominance of Catholicism.
2. The Catholic Church also implemented the Counter-Reformation, a series of reforms and initiatives aimed at reaffirming Catholic doctrine and practices. The Council of Trent, held between 1545 and 1563, was a key event of the Counter-Reformation. During this council, the Catholic Church clarified its position on various theological issues, affirmed the authority of the Pope, and emphasized the importance of the sacraments and traditional rituals. Additionally, the Catholic Church established new religious orders, such as the Jesuits, who played a vital role in propagating Catholic teachings and combating Protestantism through education, missionary work, and intellectual debates.