oct 31, 1517 - ✎ 3. Martin Luther’s Reformation. He posted the 95 Theses (Oct. 31, 1517)

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Luther challenged the Church, the pope (Leo X) condemned him, the emperor (Charles V) tried to stop him, and Frederick the Wise ( Elector of Saxony) protected him. Note: Elector was a high‑ranking territorial ruler.

Martin Luther was a professor at the University of Wittenberg who challenged the Catholic Church’s teachings, especially indulgences.

Pope Leo X declared Luther a heretic and ordered him to be arrested.

Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, was expected to enforce the pope’s decision and suppress Luther’s movement.

But Frederick the Wise, the Elector of Saxony and one of the most powerful princes in the empire, refused to hand Luther over. Frederick protected Luther for political and legal reasons, which prevented the pope and the emperor from eliminating him. Because of Frederick’s protection, Luther survived — and the Reformation spread.

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