What religious movement is associated with the challenges to the Catholic Church in the 16th century?

The Protestant Reformation is recognized as the significant religious movement that arose in the 16th century, which aimed to challenge and reform the practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church. This movement was initiated by figures such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Huldrych Zwingli, who criticized various aspects of Catholicism, including the sale of indulgences, the authority of the Pope, and other practices they deemed corrupt.

The Reformation led to the establishment of various Protestant denominations, marking a profound shift in European religious, cultural, and political landscapes. It emphasized individual interpretation of the Scriptures and rejected the centralized authority of the Catholic Church, which resonated with many people across different regions of Europe. The movement also paved the way for increased religious diversity and contributed to broader social changes that were reflected in art, politics, and education during and after that time.

While the Enlightenment, the Scientific Revolution, and the Renaissance brought about significant changes in thought and culture, their primary focus was not on directly challenging the Catholic Church's authority in the same manner as the Protestant Reformation. Instead, these movements intertwined with various aspects of intellectual and philosophical inquiry, which later influenced religious thought but did not primarily center on reforming church practices.