“Assess the contribution of 16th century popes to the Catholic Reformation” - Part 2

There is no doubt that Paul III was the turning point for the church towards reform. Although he was corrupt, succeeding Clement VII and immediately creating his two grandsons cardinals he was interested in the long-term stability of Catholicism. Recognising the need root and branch reform he appointed six of the most influential supports of reform in Rome as cardinals, including Carafa and Contarini, who were leading members of the Oratory of Divine Love. This gradual introduction of reform movement within the Catholic Church was first implemented by Clement, and to establish to Consilium de emendenda ecclesia, which was a commission set up to look at how to reform the church. Reform of the Catholic Church had to start from within, and without positive actions such as the Consilum de emendenda ecclesia, the need for reform wouldn’t have been highlighted and popes could carry on in their corruption. He recognised the church’s shortcomings and need to correct them in order for Catholicism to remain a major European religion. The corruption of the Catholic Church had to be stopped for revival to be achieved, and the Popes would have to lead to example in order to achieve this.
Part 1                                                                             Part 3