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Why did some bishops at the Council of Trent want church reform before doctrinal debates?

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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.

At the Council of Trent, some bishops advocated for prioritizing internal church reform over doctrinal debates because the Roman Catholic Church had long been plagued by widespread corruption and moral decline among the clergy.12

By the mid-16th century, there was a pervasive perception that the hierarchy was characterized by greed and administrative abuses, such as pluralism and the sale of indulgences. Many leaders recognized that these systemic failures had severely damaged the church's reputation and spiritual authority, providing fuel for the Protestant Reformation.12

Consequently, these bishops believed that addressing the "worldly attitudes" and flagrant financial abuses of the clergy was essential to restoring the church's integrity. This push for reform led to significant legislation, including requirements for the proper education of clergy in seminaries, mandates for bishops to reside in their dioceses, and stricter regulations on pastoral care and preaching. By tackling these internal issues, the council aimed to revitalize the church's discipline and moral standing in the face of external challenges.13