The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century challenged the Roman Catholic Church's authority, spurred by Martin Luther's critique of ecclesiastical corruption and the sale of indulgences. Scandals within the papacy and the Church's political entanglements further eroded its spiritual legitimacy, leading to the Counter-Reformation and the eventual acceptance of religious diversity in Europe.
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The sale of indulgences and other financial exploitation by the Catholic Church fueled resentment and calls for reform
Scandalous behavior of Renaissance popes
The actions of corrupt popes, such as simony and nepotism, contributed to the questioning of the Church's spiritual legitimacy
Events such as the Western Schism and Italian Wars exposed the Church's susceptibility to worldly influences
Luther's writings, particularly his criticism of the sale of indulgences, sparked the Reformation
The Catholic Church's response to the Reformation, aiming to reform from within and counter the spread of Protestantism
Despite attempts at reconciliation, religious conflicts persisted and eventually led to a devastating war
The Reformation led to a decline in the Catholic Church's dominance over European Christendom
The Reformation reshaped European society and its religious institutions, leading to a diverse and often contentious religious landscape
The Peace of Westphalia granted princes the right to determine their territories' religion, effectively ending the Catholic Church's religious monopoly in Europe
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Martin Luther's pivotal document
Ninety-Five Theses, criticized Church practices like indulgences, sparking Reformation.
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Ecclesiastical corruption's role in Reformation
Corruption, including indulgence sales, led to widespread resentment and calls for reform.
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Consequences of Reformation for Church authority
Fragmentation of Church's power, initiated new era of religious thought and practice.
