Diet of Worms

The Diet of Worms was a general assembly (a Diet) of the estates of the Holy Roman Empire that took place in Worms, a small town on the Rhine river located in what is now Germany. It was conducted from January 28 to May 25, 1521, with Emperor Charles V presiding. Although other issues were dealt with at the Diet of Worms, it is most memorable for addressing Martin Luther and the effects on the Protestant Reformation.

Related Topics:
Diet - Holy Roman Empire - Worms - Rhine river - Germany - January 28 - May 25 - 1521 - Charles V - Martin Luther - Protestant Reformation

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The previous year, Pope Leo X had issued the Papal bull Exsurge Domine, demanding that Luther retract forty-one of his 95 theses criticising the Church. Luther was summoned by the Emperor to appear before the Imperial Diet. Prince Frederick III, Elector of Saxony obtained an agreement that if Luther appeared he would be promised safe passage to and from the meeting. Such a guarantee was essential after the treatment of Jan Hus, who was tried and executed at the Council of Constance in 1415, despite a safe conduct pass.

Related Topics:
Pope Leo X - Papal bull - Exsurge Domine - 95 theses - Frederick III, Elector of Saxony - Jan Hus - Council of Constance

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