What was the main aim of the Reformation in the 16th century?

The main aim of the Reformation in the 16th century was to reform the Roman Catholic Church. This movement arose due to various criticisms and calls for change regarding the practices and doctrines of the Church, which many reformers believed had strayed from the teachings of Jesus and the Bible. Key figures, such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, sought to address issues like corruption, the sale of indulgences, and the need for personal faith and direct access to Scripture. Rather than establishing a completely new religion, the reformers aimed to bring about significant changes within the existing Church framework to return to what they saw as true Christian principles.

Promoting religious tolerance was not a primary focus of the Reformation. In fact, the period often involved intense conflict between different Christian groups. The idea of unifying all Christian denominations was also not a goal during the Reformation, as it led to the establishment of various Protestant denominations that diverged from Catholic doctrine. While the movement certainly changed the religious landscape of Europe, it fundamentally aimed at reforming the practices and governance within the Catholic Church itself.