Refined and simplified title: Catechism of the Council of Trent

The Council of Trent sought to clarify the ambiguities that had plagued the early Catholic Church throughout the Middle Ages. This included addressing the precise number and nature of the sacraments, the veneration of saints and relics, the concept of Purgatory, the authority of the pope, and the use of indulgences. The "either/or" doctrines of the Protestant reformers, such as justification by faith alone and the authority of Scripture alone, were rejected in favor of a "both/and" doctrine of justification by both faith and works, based on the authority of both Scripture and tradition. Furthermore, the Council reaffirmed the Latin Vulgate Bible against the Protestant insistence on the original Hebrew and Greek texts of Scripture.

In addition to its impact on Roman Catholic doctrine, the legislation of the Council of Trent also reformed the internal life and discipline of the Church. The Council provided for the proper education of future clergy in Catholic seminaries, with increased requirements for the clergy, especially the bishops, to focus more on the task of preaching. Financial abuses were brought under control, and strict rules were established to ensure the residency of bishops in their dioceses. Moreover, the Council prescribed specific guidelines for the form of the mass and liturgical music.

The Council's efforts to clarify doctrinal ambiguities, reject the "either/or" doctrines of the Protestants, and reform the internal workings of the Church had a significant impact. By addressing these issues, the Council of Trent sought to reassert the authority and unity of the Catholic Church in the face of the Protestant Reformation. The Council's decrees and reforms shaped the trajectory of the Catholic Church for centuries to come, solidifying its theological position and strengthening its institutional structure.

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