# Heidelberg Catechism (1563)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/1563-heidelberg-catechism
Location: Heidelberg, Palatinate
Themes: Reformation

The Reformed Heidelberg Catechism is published. At this point in the timeline (1563), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Pius IV (26 December 1559 – 9 December 1565).

## Why it matters
Heidelberg Catechism mattered because it helped divide and reshape Western Christianity into the Protestant and Catholic traditions.

Pope at the time: [Pope Pius IV](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-pius-iv)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Heidelberg Catechism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidelberg_Catechism)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Heidelberg Catechism](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Heidelberg+Catechism)
- [Wikipedia — Reformation (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformation)