The answer is B) A series of actions by the Catholic Church intended to spread and defend the Catholic faith.
The counter-reformation was in response to the Protestant reformation, so the first answer is out of the question.
Martin Luthers own actions sparked the Protestant reformation, and as mentioned prior - it was a response to the Protestant reformation (however, during this time they did solidify the power of the pope).
The correct answer in this case should be Newly Independent.
