renaissance-art: On January 26, 1564, Pope Pius IV ratified the decrees issued by the Council of Tre
renaissance-art: On January 26, 1564, Pope Pius IV ratified the decrees issued by the Council of Trent via the Papal Bull, Benedictus Deus. The Council, convened between 1545-1563 in the town of Trento, Italy, was the Catholic Church’s resolute, albeit delayed, response to the wildfire spread of Protestantism throughout Europe. Over 30 years prior, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Wittenberg Cathedral, sparking the first upheaval of Church power in history. By committing to implement reforms against corruption, a missing feature from prior gatherings, the Council solidified Church doctrine in the wake of the Reformation and significantly improved relations with their followers. Faithful in the ongoing glory of the Church, Cati’s fresco depict a triumphant scene of an allegorical figure of the Church being crowned in a papal tiara by the virtues as the Council diligently debates in the background. The globe placed at the top of the stairs shows Europe, Africa, and Asia, revealing ambitions to expand the faith beyond Europe. This goal was already underway. The first Catholic missionaries, led by Francis Xavier, arrived in Japan by 1549. The Council of Trent’s publications and the efforts of the Catholic Church to combat the further spread of Protestantism and the resulting Catholic resurgence is today known as the Counter-Reformation. (Painting: Pasquale Cati c. 1588, The Council of Trent) -- source link