History: CounterReformation

1555- Though many reforms had occurred in the Catholic church there were those who tried to impose a structure based on past ideals. Pope Paul IV, 1555- 1559

was considered to be a counter-reformation pope because of his traditional interpretations of religious doctrine. Paul IV created the Papal Index and also vastly increased the power of the Inquisition, a move which threatened even the most powerful dissenters with torture or death. Though, Christian unity was a goal for some, the counter-reformation and the Council of Trent served to permanently solidify the divisions that had formed in the church.