He sent Legates to publish the opening of a Council at Trent in the spring of 1545; and he resolved to work this Council on the principles of diplomatical conservatism, reserving for himself the power of watching events and of enlarging or restricting its efficiency as might seem best to him.[19] [Footnote 19: The first official opening of the Council at Trent was in November 1542, by Cardinals Pole and Morone as Legates.

It was adjourned in July, 1543, on account of insufficient attendance.

When it again opened in 1545, Pole reappeared as Legate.

With him were associated two future Popes, Giov.

Maria del Monte (Julius III.), and Marcello Cervini (Marcellus II.) The first session of the Council took place in December, 1545, four Cardinals, four Archbishops, twenty-one Bishops, and five Generals of Orders attending.