What was the primary objective of the Catholic (Counter) Reformation?

The primary objective of the Catholic (Counter) Reformation was to reform the Catholic Church in response to the Protestant Reformation. As Protestantism gained traction in the 16th century, it prompted Catholic leaders to address various issues within their own Church that had contributed to the Reformation. This included tackling corruption, addressing the sale of indulgences, and reaffirming core doctrines. The Council of Trent (1545-1563) was a significant event during this period, where key reforms were implemented to strengthen the Church's internal structure and reaffirm Catholic teachings.

This reformative approach aimed not only to counter the spread of Protestantism but also to revitalize the spiritual credibility of the Catholic Church itself. While there were indeed desires to counteract Protestantism, the main focus remained on internal reform rather than the outright elimination of all Protestant beliefs. The other choices, while related to aspects of the broader Catholic mission during this era, do not capture the central aim of the Counter-Reformation as accurately as the intended reformation within the Church itself.