Martin Luther

Luther was a monk, professor of theology. He criticized the practices of the Catholic Church, such as the sale of indulgences; it is contrary to the teaching of the Bible. Excommunicated in 1521 by Pope Leo X, it is protected by the German prince, Frederick the Wise. With this protector, he can develop his reforming ideas and establish bases in Germany the first Protestant churches. His ideas spread very quickly in Europe, thanks to the printing press. Martin Luther was born November 10, 1483 in Germany, in Eisleben. He studied law at Erfurt. In 1505, caught in a violent storm, he vowed to become a monk if he escapes lightning.

He then entered the convent of the Augustinian monks. He was ordained in 1507 and became a doctor of theology in 1512. He then leaves to teach theology at Wittenberg, city of Prince Frederick the Wise. Luther is more consistent with the practices of the Catholic Church and he begins to criticize openly from 1517, due to the sale of indulgences. Indeed, indulgences are presented as if, by purchasing one could escape the purgatory. In fact, they are used to finance the construction of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

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