A papal indulgence from the diocese of Mainz, 1480. Indulgences were sold to Catholics during this p
A papal indulgence from the diocese of Mainz, 1480. Indulgences were sold to Catholics during this period. The act of repenting for their sins and a contribution to the church through the purchase of an indulgence were believed to bring about the forgiveness of a person’s sins. Indulgences became a symbol of corruption in the church, especially in Mainz, where money collected through indulgences for the building of St. Peter’s Basilica instead went to Albert, the archbishop of Mainz, who was using the money to pay off the debts he had incurred by bribing his way to the office of archbishop. These indulgences enraged Martin Luther and led to the Protestant Reformation. -- source link
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