Reformation of the Catholic Church

Peter Waldo

1140

Founded the Waldensians, a lay movement promoting biblical literacy and lay preaching.
Challenged the Church's hierarchy and wealth, encouraging a simpler form of Christianity.

St. Francis of Assisi

1182

Founded the Franciscan Order dedicated to poverty, simplicity, and service to the poor.
Emphasized a return to the Gospel message and direct connection with God.

John Wycliffe

1320

English theologian who denied papal authority and criticized the sale of indulgences.
Advocated for translating the Bible into vernacular languages.
His ideas influenced later reformers like Jan Hus.

Jan Hus

1370

Bohemian priest inspired by Wycliffe's ideas.
Criticized clerical corruption and promoted the Bible as the ultimate authority.
Condemned as a heretic and burned at the stake, becoming a martyr for the reform movement.

Desiderius Erasmus

1466

Humanist scholar who used satire and biblical scholarship to critique Church abuses.
While remaining Catholic, he advocated for internal reform and a focus on early Church practices.

Martin Luther

1483

German monk and theologian who famously posted his 95 Theses challenging the sale of indulgences.
Emphasized salvation by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and a "priesthood of all believers," launching the Protestant Reformation.

Thomas Münzer

1489

He created anabaptism.
They rejected the idea of infant baptism.

Jean Calvin

1509

Predestination was his main idea working as a virtue. The latter made it more appealing to the rich.
He also introduced theocracy

Michael Servetus

1511

He was the founding father of antitrinitarianism.
They denied the existence of the Holy Trinity.

Ignatius of Loyola

1540

He created the Jesuit order.

Pope Paul III

1545

He prohibited the selling of indulgences.