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Period: 1015 to 1085
Pope Gregory VII.
He implemented the Gregorian Reforms, which were targeted at addressing issues like simony and clerical marriage, and asserting the authority of the papacy over secular rulers. -
Period: 1181 to 1226
Saint Francis of Assisi
He founded the Franciscan Order, emphasizing principles of poverty, humility, and simplicity in stark contrast to the wealth and corruption prevalent within the Church. -
Period: 1320 to 1384
John Wycliffe
He advocated for the translation of the Bible into English, advocating for widespread access to scripture and challenging the exclusive authority traditionally held by the clergy. -
Period: 1369 to 1415
Jan Hus
He openly criticized the moral corruption prevalent among the clergy, questioned the authority of the papacy, and advocated for the practice of communion in both bread and wine for laypeople. -
Period: 1466 to 1536
Desiderius Erasmus
He criticized the Church's corruption, called for a return to the simplicity and piety of early Christianity, and promoted humanistic scholarship. -
Period: 1483 to 1546
Martin Luther
He famously nailed the 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, igniting the Protestant Reformation by challenging the sale of indulgences and questioning numerous Catholic doctrines. -
Period: 1484 to 1531
Ulrich Zwingli
He spearheaded the Swiss Reformation, rejecting practices such as clerical celibacy, the veneration of saints, and the use of religious images in worship. -
Period: 1509 to 1564
John Calvin
He developed Calvinism, emphasizing predestination, the sovereignty of God, and the authority of scripture over church tradition.