Google Preferred SourcesComments
ForumsShare

This week in Christian history: Pope's indulgence sparks Reformation, Roger Williams gets charter

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Twitter

Pope Leo X declares indulgence that spurs Reformation – March 15, 1517

A 16th-century portrait of Pope Leo X
A 16th-century portrait of Pope Leo X | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Pope Leo X issued an indulgence aimed at paying for the construction of Saint Peter’s Basilica, which spurred the Protestant Reformation.

An indulgence involved Catholics paying the Church to be forgiven of their sins. Indulgences were sometimes bought with the intention of reducing deceased people’s time in Purgatory.

“Afterward a few doubted the efficacy of the writs. They solicited the opinion of a middle-aged monk named Martin Luther. Luther refused to confirm their value,” wrote Dan Graves of Christianity.com.

“Instead, in an accepted tradition, he posted theses for debate on the door of Wittenberg castle church where a large crowd was expected … From those Ninety-Five theses, the Reformation was born when Leo refused to see a problem with the disgraceful sales.”

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Become a CP Insider.
Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

The truth has a cost, and Insiders help carry it.
A dollar from an Insider comes with no strings attached. It keeps our reporters on the story, keeps our journalism open to everyone, and keeps every editorial decision in the newsroom, where it belongs.

Become a CP Insider and choose the amount you want to pay. You can change, pause or cancel anytime. As a thank-you, you’ll get:

  • The Insider Newsletter, a members-only monthly letter from our newsroom

  • Ad-free reading across christianpost.com


From as low as $8.25/month
Prefer to give once?

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles.
Return to homepage.

Most Popular

More Articles