Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How many sacraments did the Council of Trent recognize?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Council of Trent
Opening session of the Council of Trent in 1545, depicted by NicolΓ² Dorigati, 1711; in the Museo Diocesano Tridentino, Trento, Italy.
The Council of Trent (1545β1563) officially recognized and fixed the number of sacraments at seven.12
This decision served as a definitive response to Protestant reformers, who generally maintained that there were only two sacraments: baptism and the Eucharist. The seven sacraments affirmed by the Council are:32
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- The Eucharist
- Reconciliation (penance)
- Anointing of the sick
- Marriage
- Holy orders
By establishing this number, the Council of Trent solidified the Roman Catholic position against the doctrinal challenges of the Reformation, affirming that these rites were instituted by Christ and are productive of inner grace.132