Martin Luther's excommunication was a landmark event in the history of the . Here are the main details:
Background: Luther published his 95 theses in 1517, criticizing indulgences and other practices of the Catholic Church. His ideas quickly gained popularity and sparked debate and controversy.
Exsurge Domine: In June 1520, Pope Leo X issued the papal bull Exsurge Domine, threatening Luther with excommunication unless he recanted. Luther publicly burned this bull in Wittenberg on December 10, 15201.
Excommunication: On January 3, 1521, Luther was officially excommunicated by the bull Decet Romanum Pontificem. This meant that he was excluded from communion with the Catholic Church and regarded as a heretic.
Diet of Worms: In April 1521, Luther was summoned before the Diet of Worms, an imperial council, to answer for his writings. When asked whether he repudiated his writings, he replied: "I cannot deny what I believe, for that would be contrary to the truth."
Consequences: After the Diet of Worms, Luther was declared an outlaw by Emperor Charles V and placed under the ban of the Holy Empire of the German Nation. However, he found refuge at Wartburg Castle, where he continued to write and preach.
Luther's excommunication was a key moment that consolidated his role as a leader of the and led to lasting changes in European religion and society.