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Why did Pope Leo X ask Martin Luther to recant his beliefs and then excommunicate him when Luther would not do so?

User Elyor
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Answer:

In January 1521, Pope Leo X excommunicated Luther. Three months later, Luther was called to defend his beliefs before Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms, where he was famously defiant. For his refusal to recant his writings, the emperor declared him an outlaw and a heretic.

Step-by-step explanation:

In January 1521, the Pope Leo X excommunicated Luther. He was then summoned to appear at the Diet of Worms, an assembly of the Holy Roman Empire. He refused to recant and Emperor Charles V declared him an outlaw and a heretic. Luther went into hiding at Wartburg Castle.

The Pope's reasons and ideology

During the Italian Renaissance, the Church dominated politics, controlled kings, and became very wealthy. Pope Leo X was a reflection of the politicized nature of the Church. He came from one of the most influential families in Europe, the Medici, and is famous for selling the forgiveness of sins.

User Tototoshi
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