Why did the Council of Trent take nine years to open after Pope Paul III first proposed it?

Pope Paul III faced significant challenges in convening the Council of Trent, which delayed its opening for nine years after his initial proposal. Throughout this period, the Pope had to navigate complex political opposition from various European powers, including the Emperor, kings, prelates, and princes, whose conflicting interests and rivalries hindered the assembly's progress.12

Paul III demonstrated "infinite patience" as he worked to overcome this widespread resistance, repeatedly proroguing and postponing the council's opening. His efforts were further complicated by the broader geopolitical climate of the time, which included ongoing wars and tensions between major European monarchs, such as Emperor Charles V and the French king Francis I. Despite these persistent obstacles, Paul III remained committed to the necessity of a council for effective church reform and Christian unity, eventually succeeding in having it inaugurated at Trent on December 13, 1545.1234