January 3: Today is the anniversary of the excommunication of Martin Luther by Pope Leo X in 1521 through the Papal Bull “Decret Romanum Pontificem”.

Portrait of Leo X by Raphael.

The Papal Bull known as “Decret Romanum Pontificem”, which means “It Pleases the Roman Pontif”, was promulgated in January third, 1521 to effect the excommunication of Martin Luther for rejecting several teachings and practices of the Catholic Church.

Portrait of Martin Luther by Lucas Cranach the elder in 1533.

Martin Luther strongly disputed the claim that freedom from God's punishment for sin could be purchased with money. 

He confronted Johann Tetzel for selling indulgences and nailed 95 theses in the chapel of Wittenberg in 1917.