It was the Protestants who first called for a Council. Dr. John Rao shows that papal fears of conciliarism and political battles involving Germany, France, and Spain delayed its beginning and the choice of its meeting place. Once Paul III showed some serious desire to open it in Trent, the Protestants no longer wished to come. Taken from: Protestant Rebellion and Catholic Reform (1517-1648) - 1997 Von Hildebrand Institute