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Finally, on the eve of the Reformation, Pope Julius II reasserted papal primacy and packed the Fifth Lateran Council (1512-17) with cardinals who supported him. Thomas Cajetan, famous (among other things) as Luther’s curial opponent, staunchly defended papal primacy. In condemning the Reformation, the Council of Trent also condemned positions that had been argued by theologians well within its pale for centuries.

If Julius had been smarter he would have kept the Reformed churches under his control?

If the above were true I would still find myself looking at the Reformed/Roman Catholics from the outside. While I do believe Calvin has a great deal right during the current Church Age, I do not believe his systematic theology fits all dispensations. Also, unlike my Reformed friends as an Evangelical Christian I don't believe Creeds, or Councils, are binding.

Thanks for posting this Gamecock. It is thought provoking how institutional Christianity could be so different today based on the political calculations of it's leaders.