Vatican stamp set commemorating the fourth centenary of the Council of Trent. The Council of Trent convened on December 13, 1545 by order of Pope Paul III to issue a definitive declaration of the Doctrines of the Church in answer to the Protestant heresies and to reform the Church by removing the abuses that had developed in it. The council defended and clarified fundamental truths of Christianity including: the authority of the Bible, original sin, the Mass and the Sacraments.
This set honours the personalities who not only played an important role in the council, but those who contributed to its preparation as well: Pope Paul III, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, Cardinal legates Giovanni Maria Del Monte, Marcello Cervini and Reginald Pole, Bishop of Trent Cristoforo Madruzzi, Matteo Cardinal Giberti, Gaspare Contarini, St. John Fisher, St. Cajetan Theine of Vicenza, St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Anthony Maria Zaccaria and St. Angela Merci. The 5 Centesimi stamp depicts the Cathedral of Saint Viglio.
