Reformation

St. Dominic (1170–1221)

1170

Founder of the Dominican Order, St. Dominic sought to combat heresy through preaching and education. The Dominicans played a crucial role in theological and intellectual development within the Church.

St. Francis of Assisi (1181/1182–1226)

1182

Known for founding the Franciscan Order, St. Francis emphasized poverty, simplicity, and a personal relationship with God. His movement encouraged a return to the teachings of Jesus Christ and a renewed focus on Christian values.

John Wycliffe (1320–1384)

1320

An English theologian and professor, Wycliffe questioned the authority of the Pope and the wealth of the Church. He translated the Bible into English to make it more accessible to the common people.

Jan Hus (1369–1415)

1369

A Czech priest and reformer, Hus criticized the wealth and corruption of the Church. He emphasized the authority of the Bible and preached in the vernacular. Hus was ultimately condemned as a heretic and burned at the stake.

John Colet (1466–1519)

1466

An English scholar and theologian, Colet emphasized the study of biblical texts and the teachings of the early Church fathers. He sought to bring about moral and spiritual reform within the Church.

Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466–1536)

1466

A humanist scholar, Erasmus advocated for a return to the original teachings of Christianity. He criticized the Church's excesses and corruption while promoting education, biblical scholarship, and a more personal piety.

Thomas More (1478–1535)

1478

An English statesman and author of "Utopia," More was critical of the Church's corruption and social injustices. Despite his eventual opposition to the Protestant Reformation, his early works expressed a desire for reform within the Church.

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

1517

He was an Augustine monk and a professor of theology. He wanted to get rid of the Church hierarchy and the letters of indulgence mostly and wanted to decrease the power of the pope. So later in 1520 he was excommunicated by pope Leo X.