The Consilium and Reform Constrained

Abstract

In 1535, Paul III set up a reform Commission composed of outstanding Churchmen and tasked them with producing a comprehensive reform program. Their program, the Consilium de emendanda ecclesia, was long on condemnatory rhetoric but, grounded in tradition, short on practical steps forward. It lacked engagement of cultural issues, especially those which promoted enhancement of Church and family honour through the accrual of benefices. Indeed, acting on the Consilium would have dismantled pathways to honour and created social unrest in a fragile period when Rome was under external threat. While Paul brought in other prelates to work with the Commissioners, overall no viable ways forward emerged.