1517

The 95 Theses

In response to the sale of indulgences by the Catholic Church in 1516 to finance the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Martin Luther published 95 theses in the form of placards. He denounced the false assurance given to the faithful and affirms that only God can pardon sins and not the Pope. The 95 theses and other texts by Luther were printed in large quantities and widely distributed. This event marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.