Pope Leo X

Pope Leo X, born Giovanni de’ Medici, led the Catholic Church from 1513 to 1521. His policies and the sale of indulgences helped provoke Martin Luther’s challenge that began the Protestant Reformation.

Protestant Reformation: A sixteenth-century movement that divided Western Christianity and established Protestant churches. Luther’s challenge during Leo’s papacy became the movement’s opening rupture.
Indulgence: In Catholic teaching, a remission of temporal punishment for sins whose guilt has already been forgiven. The preaching of indulgences for St. Peter’s Basilica became Luther’s immediate target.
Medici family: A Florentine dynasty of bankers and rulers that became a major patron of Renaissance art and politics. Leo’s family connections shaped his rise and his papal patronage.
Papal conclave of 1513: The election in March 1513 that chose Giovanni de’ Medici as Pope Leo X. It began Leo’s papacy after the death of Julius II.
Martin Luther: A German theologian whose criticism of church practices helped initiate the Protestant Reformation. Leo condemned Luther and rejected his demand to debate indulgences.
Johann Tetzel: A German Dominican preacher known for promoting indulgences in the early sixteenth century. His campaign in German territories prompted Luther’s objections.
Giuliano de' Medici, Duke of Nemours: A Medici ruler and the younger brother of Pope Leo X. Leo’s brother helped restore Medici power in Florence.
Julius II: Pope from 1503 to 1513, known for military leadership and ambitious building projects in Rome. Leo succeeded Julius and inherited his unfinished projects and political conflicts.
Exsurge Domine: A 1520 papal bull condemning propositions drawn from Martin Luther’s writings. Leo’s condemnation intensified the break between Luther and Rome.
Ninety-five Theses: Martin Luther’s 1517 propositions criticizing indulgences and related church practices. They challenged the indulgence campaign authorized under Leo.

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