How did the Catholic Church respond to the Protestant Reformation?

The Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation involved initiating the Counter-Reformation, a movement aimed at reforming the church from within and addressing the criticisms raised by Protestant reformers. This involved several key actions, including the establishment of the Council of Trent, which clarified Catholic doctrine and corrected abuses that had been criticized by Protestants. The Counter-Reformation sought to reaffirm the authority of the papacy, reinforce traditional Catholic teachings, and improve the moral integrity of the clergy.

The Counter-Reformation also saw the formation of new religious orders, such as the Jesuits, which focused on education, missionary work, and combating the spread of Protestantism. This response highlights the church's commitment to retaining its influence and addressing the causes of discontent among its followers.

The other options do not accurately reflect the Church's actions during this period. For instance, promoting Protestant leaders would contradict the Catholic Church's goal of preserving its own doctrine. Similarly, dissolving itself would have marked a complete retreat from its role in European society, which did not occur. While the Church did increase taxation at various points, this was not specifically a direct response to the Reformation and would not encapsulate the broader strategic and doctrinal reactions undertaken at that time.