Tradition and Reform

Tradition has been a central formative principle of the Church from its earliest years, continually orienting its theology, structure, and discipline to preservation of the past. Humanism gilded that orientation with its attachment to the classical world. The humanist preachers of Paul III’s time framed the papal role in reform in terms of tradition. As a cardinal, Alessandro Farnese played a minimal role in reform but, as pope, papal honour moved him to commit to reform and the calling of a Council. His understandings of reform and those of the eminent men he called to Rome to frame a comprehensive reform program were guided by tradition and the maintenance of papal honour.