Julius II's Bull of Indulgence

Julius II's Bull of Indulgence, issued in 1511, was a papal decree that offered forgiveness of sins to those who contributed financially to the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. This practice was based on the belief that charitable acts could reduce time in purgatory. However, it sparked controversy, especially among reformers like Martin Luther, who criticized the sale of indulgences as a corruption of the Church's spiritual authority. The bull highlighted the tensions between traditional Church practices and emerging calls for reform during the early 16th century.