The significance of the Reformation in changing the religious landscape in Europe was profound, leading to the establishment of Protestantism and challenging the authority of the Catholic Church. Originating in the 16th century, figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin criticized church practices, sparking debates over religious doctrine and translation of the Bible into vernacular languages. The Reformation encouraged individuals to question existing beliefs and fostered an environment of religious pluralism. This movement reshaped European society, leading to the rise of various denominations, significant political changes, and conflicts, such as the Thirty Years' War.