7 important dates in the Reformation life of Martin Luther

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Monday, October 31, 2022

Luther arrives at the Diet of Worms – April 16, 1521

Padraic Delany as Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms in 1517. Scene from the 2017 PBS docudrama 'Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed The World.' — Padraic Delany as Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms in 1517. Scene from the 2017 PBS docudrama "Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed The World." | Courtesy of Jake Thomas

Having already been excommunicated earlier that year, Luther arrived at the Diet of Worms on April 16, with authorities expecting him to recant his controversial teachings.

The diet had been called by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, whose territory included modern day Germany and Wittenberg, where the Reformation had begun.

However, Luther famously refused to recant.

"Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason — I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other — my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe," stated Luther.

He left Worms on April 25. A month later, Charles V issued the Edict of Worms, which branded Luther a heretic as well as an outlaw, and put a bounty upon his head.