Europe in the Age of the Reformation

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Martin Luther

Conflict with the Pope

Leo and others wrote to Luther, urging him to go slowly. Some of his ideas had merit, they said, but they were subtle ideas and liable to be misinterpreted by the untrained. It was dangerous to say these things to the common people. He should be quiet. He should come to Rome.

Luther ignored the advice. The truth was plain enough and God's truth could never be dangerous or withheld. He went on preaching and thousands came to hear him. He went on writing and thousands more read him.

Luther crossed the line when his attacks became personal and vitriolic. He called the pope terrible names and claimed he had no authority to tell anyone what to do. He took to referring to Rome as the Whore of Babylon. Luther could be quite colorful when impassioned.

Leo warned Luther that if he did not desist, excommunication was the next step. Luther was to come to Rome to explain himself. Instead, Luther feigned illness and refused to budge.