What was the main purpose of the Council of Trent?

The main purpose of the Council of Trent was to reaffirm Catholic doctrines and address reform within the Church. Convened in response to the Protestant Reformation, the Council aimed to counter the criticisms brought forth by Protestant reformers and clarify Catholic teachings. It established a series of decrees that defined key aspects of Catholic doctrine, such as the importance of tradition alongside Scripture, the necessity of seven sacraments, and the concept of transubstantiation in the Eucharist.

Additionally, the Council sought to reform various Church practices, addressing issues such as clerical discipline, the proper education of clergy, and corruption within the Church. By doing so, it aimed to strengthen the Catholic Church's position in an increasingly fragmented religious landscape and to reassert its authority and influence over the faithful. This was a critical moment in Catholic history that helped to solidify the Counter-Reformation and ultimately worked towards revitalizing the Church.