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Who opened the Council of Trent on December 13, 1545?

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Painting by Nicolo Dorigati showing the opening session of the Council of Trent, with clergy in white robes seated in a grand cathedral and an altar at the center. — Council of Trent Opening session of the Council of Trent in 1545, depicted by Nicolò Dorigati, 1711; in the Museo Diocesano Tridentino, Trento, Italy.

The Council of Trent was inaugurated on December 13, 1545, by Cardinal Giovanni del Monte, who served as the legate for Pope Paul III.12

Although Pope Paul III had spent nine years navigating opposition from various monarchs and prelates to organize the council, he appointed Cardinal del Monte to preside over the opening ceremony in Trent.12