The Reformation called forth a new and sincere spirit in the Latin Church; new antagonisms were evoked, and new efforts after self-preservation had to be made by the Papal hierarchy.

The center of the world-wide movement which is termed the Counter-Reformation was naturally Rome.

Events had brought the Holy See once more into a position of prominence.

It was more powerful as an Italian State now, through the support of Spain and the extinction of national independence, than at any previous period of history.

In Catholic Christendom its prestige was immensely augmented by the Council of Trent.