INF024

The excommunication of Martin LUTHER

In 1521, Martin Luther was officially excommunicated by the papal bull Decet Romanum Pontificem, after refusing to recant following the publication of his 95 theses in 1517. Summoned to the Diet of Worms, he maintained his positions before Emperor Charles V. Declared an outlaw, he took refuge at the Wartburg. This foundational event marked the birth of Protestantism and permanently transformed Europe's religious and political history.

2 min excommunication Martin Luther Protestant Reformation papal bull 95 theses

The excommunication of Martin LUTHER

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.