Bull of Indulgence

A Bull of Indulgence is an official papal document issued by the Pope that grants forgiveness of certain sins or reduces the time a soul spends in purgatory. Historically, these bulls were used to encourage charitable donations or support for church projects, often in exchange for financial contributions. While meant to provide spiritual relief, they sometimes led to abuses, such as people thinking they could buy forgiveness. This practice was a significant factor in the Protestant Reformation, challenging the church's authority and sparking calls for reform.