Excommunication and Diet of Worms: attitude of Catholic Church hierarchy; Emperor and Princes; the imperial edict and the protection of Frederick the Wise
In 1521, the Church expelled Luther and the Emperor ordered him to recant. A powerful German prince named Frederick the Wise sheltered Luther, keeping the Reformation alive.
Real World
Frederick the Wise of Saxony staged a fake kidnapping of Luther after the Diet of Worms, hiding him in Wartburg Castle for nearly a year — without this political protection, Luther would almost certainly have been executed like Jan Hus before him.
Exam Focus
For 'explain' questions on Luther's survival, always credit princely self-interest (Frederick's desire for autonomy from Emperor) not just personal sympathy.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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