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How did Pope Paul III respond to the Lutheran Schmalkaldic League?
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Paul III
Paul III, contemporary medallion; in the coin collection of the Vatican Library.
Pope Paul III responded to the Lutheran Schmalkaldic League primarily by encouraging the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V to suppress the alliance militarily.1
While Paul III navigated complex diplomatic relations with both Charles V and the French king Francis I—often attempting to avoid siding with either monarch—he maintained a firm stance against the spread of Protestantism. In addition to urging the suppression of the league, he took broader steps to combat the Reformation, such as establishing the Roman Inquisition in 1542 and proceeding with preparations for the Council of Trent, even after Protestant leaders rejected the assembly.12