When did the Counter-Reformation take place?

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Title page of a 1568 Welsh Christian doctrine book by Morys Clynnog, featuring Welsh text and a woodcut illustration of the crucifixion of Jesus at the center. — Counter-Reformation Title page of *Athravaeth Gristnogavl* (1568; “Christian Doctrine”), a Roman Catholic catechism translated into Welsh by Morys Clynnog as part of the church's Counter-Reformation efforts.

The Counter-Reformation took place during the 16th and early 17th centuries, occurring roughly during the same period as the Protestant Reformation.1

While some sources suggest the movement began shortly before Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses in 1517, the formal Roman Catholic response intensified following the mid-16th century. A pivotal event during this era was the Council of Trent, which convened in three sessions between 1545 and 1563 to address doctrinal challenges and enact internal reforms.123

The efforts of the Counter-Reformation continued well into the 17th century, as evidenced by the ongoing religious conflicts of the era, such as the Thirty Years’ War, which concluded with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648.4