The reigning Emperor, Ferdinand, wielded a power insignificant when compared with that of Charles V.The Protestants, though formally invited, were certain not to attend a Council which had already condemned the articles of their Confession.

The cardinal dogmas of Catholicism had been confirmed in the sessions of 1545-1552.

It was to be hoped that, with skillful management, existing differences of opinion with regard to doctrine, church-management, and reformation of abuses, might be settled to the satisfaction of the Catholic powers.
[Footnote 40: See Sarpi, vol.ii.pp.

43, 44.] The Pope accordingly sent four Legates, the Cardinals Gonzaga, Seripando, Simoneta, Hosius, and Puteo, to Trent, who opened the Council on January 15, 1562.[41] As had been anticipated, the Protestants showed strong disinclination to attend.

The French prelates were unable to appear, pending negotiations with the Huguenots at Poissy and Pontoise.