Early 16th century Europe was politically unstable with five main power blocs vying for influence - France, Iberia, the Italian states, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. The Catholic Church was also criticized for issues like simony, pluralism, and clergy acting immorally. Most people firmly believed in the existence of heaven, hell, and purgatory and that the Church and priests provided the only path to salvation and assurance about the afterlife. Growing anticlericalism and desire for reform among the laity would help spark the Protestant Reformation.

1. Early Modern Society, ca. 1500 – politics and religion Richard Fitzsimmons Strathallan School

4. Europe around 1520

16. The Penitential Cycle