189 - A German priest complains and a new emperor
A History of Italy13 Mai 2025

189 - A German priest complains and a new emperor

Of course! Here's the revised version of the summary show notes with key words and phrases bolded for emphasis:


In this episode, we explore the turbulent political and religious landscape of Italy and Europe in the late 1510s—a pivotal prelude to the Protestant Reformation.

🔹 Power Shifts in Europe

  • 1516: Ferdinand of Aragon dies; Charles of Habsburg inherits Spain.
  • Peace between Charles and Francis I of France stabilizes Italy (Treaty of Noyon).
  • Venice regains its former territories after years of conflict but remains battered by war, fire, and the growing threat from the Turks.

🔹 Venetian & Papal Affairs

  • Venice establishes its first Jewish ghetto in 1516.
  • Pope Leo X (Medici) loses his brother Giuliano and elevates his nephew politically at great expense.
  • A conspiracy against Pope Leo is uncovered; Cardinal Alfonso Petrucci is executed, and Leo reshapes the College of Cardinals.

🔹 Money, Indulgences, and a Basilica

  • Facing financial strain from wars and plans to renovate St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo X turns to selling indulgences.
  • Indulgences were marketed as spiritual compensation through charitable donations—often misunderstood as a full forgiveness of sins.

🔹 Enter Martin Luther

  • Johann Tetzel promotes indulgences in German lands.
  • In response, Martin Luther writes the 95 Theses (1517), challenging the practice—marking the start of the Reformation.
  • Initially respectful of the pope, Luther’s criticism intensifies over time.
  • Protected by Frederick the Wise of Saxony, Luther avoids papal punishment.

🔹 Political Undercurrents

  • Pope Leo X hesitates to act against Luther due to the upcoming Holy Roman Emperor election.
  • 1519: Charles of Habsburg, already King of Spain, is elected Holy Roman Emperor, uniting a vast global empire.

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