Martin Luther and the reformation

The Protestant Reformation is a complex historical event that has deep religious and ecclesial roots, but at the same time presents significant political and cultural implications. The paper illustrates some aspects of the exegetical work of Martin Luther: the interpretation of the Scripture is the path leading the Reformer to recognize the justification of the sinner by grace trough faith as the centre of the Christian message. It further considers the meaning of the 95 theses on indulgences (1517) as well as the theological controversy that followed until the doctrine of Luther was condemned by Pope Leo X. Last, it describes the rise of a confessional Lutheran Church and the contribution of secular authority to the success of the Reformation in Germany.