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Pope Paul III significantly influenced the Catholic Church by initiating reforms aimed at curbing corruption and responding to Protestant challenges. He convened the Council of Trent, which addressed critical issues like doctrinal clarity and clerical abuses. He was born February 29, 1468 -
On May 23, 1536, Pope Paul III established the Portuguese Inquisition with the bull Cum ad nihil magis, making it responsible for the censorship of publications and trials for heresy. The Inquisition's primary targets were New Christians (forcibly converted Jews) suspected of secretly practicing Judaism, though its authority also extended to prosecuting other faiths and witchcraft. The Portuguese Inquisition was officially abolished in 1821.
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Pope Paul III did call for a council in 1537 to address the Reformation, the council of trent did not actually meet until 1545, and it continued in several sessions until 1563. The council took place in Trento, Italy, and served as the Roman Catholic Church's formal response to Protestant challenges by affirming Catholic doctrine, addressing church abuses, and ultimately solidifying the church's stance in the counter Reformation.
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On June 2, 1537, Pope Paul III issued his bull Sublimus Dei (Latin for “from God on high”). A bull is an official proclamation from the pope, usually setting forth a decision to which all Roman Catholics must adhere. Sublimus Dei forbade the enslavement of the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere, establishing that Native peoples are as much human beings as Europeans. As such, they have souls in need of the church’s salvation and possess the ability to accept that salvation. -
On December 1538, Pope Paul III had King Henry VIII excommunicated, King Henry VIII initial excommunication in 1533 by Pope Clement, but apparently there was a document that was left vague in order to make it easier for the king to return to the church if he chose to repent. King Henry was excommunicated because he wanted to end his valid marriage with Catherine of Aragon in order to marry Anne Boleyn. Catherine has been unable to provide Henry with a male heir, which was what Henry wanted. -
Pope Paul III died on November 10, 1549, in Rome at the age of 81. Born Alessandro Farnese in 1468, he reigned as Pope from 1534 until his death. His death followed an argument with his nephew, Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, after which he suffered a debilitating sickness