Johann Tetzel | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | c. 1465 |
| Died | 11 August 1519 (aged 53–54) Leipzig, Electorate of Saxony |
| Occupation | Dominican preacher |
| Known for | Selling indulgences |
Johann Tetzel OP (c. 1465 – 11 August 1519) was a German Dominican friar and preacher. He was appointed Inquisitor for Poland and Saxony,[1][2] later becoming the Grand Commissioner for indulgences in Germany. Tetzel was known for granting indulgences on behalf of the Catholic Church in exchange for tithes to the Church. Indulgences grant a degree of expiation of the punishments of purgatory due to sin. However, the misuse of indulgences within the Church largely contributed to Martin Luther writing his Ninety-five Theses. The main usage of the indulgences by Tetzel was to help fund and build the new St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
- ^ "Johann Tetzel". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 23 November 2018.
Tetzel was appointed inquisitor for Poland (1509) and later for Saxony.
- ^ "Johann Tetzel". Catholic Encyclopedia. New Advent. Retrieved 23 November 2018.
At the request of the Polish provincial John Advocati, he was appointed inquisitor for Poland by the master-general, Cajetan…but after severing his relations with the Polish province he was appointed inquisitor of the Saxon province.