Another Pope Martin Luther Thread

In the movie Luther (2003) upon the death of Pope Leo X, it is suggested that if Luther didn't get married he was a darkhorse to be made Pope. Of course, OTL Pope Adrian VI was chosen and Luther was not even in the discussion for really obvious reasons.

Let's say the movie's telling of events is accurate. The threat of the Turks and a dis-unified Germany is considered too great and for whatever ASB reason, figure that Luther could be made into a sort of powerless figurehead.

1521 is still early enough where Luther may actually accept such an offer if Reformist-minded Catholics coaxed him into thinking that they want him to spearhead change.

So, Luther becomes Pope. What happens?

My opinion is that he is remembered as a nutter and perhaps "Morningstar" of the Reformation, where thinkers such as Calvin and Zwingli might be seen as the first two true reformers. Germany would likely remain Catholic like France, but Protestantism is a "big deal" simply because of British imperialism over the next few centuries spreading the ideas.

As a Pope, he would be powerless. He couldn't call a council in which to elucidate doctrines into official such as "faith alone," because the majority of Bishops wouldn't go with him. I honestly don't think stopping indulgences would float Luther's boat anymore. I think it is highly likely that if he didn't wake up dead one day, he would actually leave the Pontificate and spearhead the German reformation again.

So, Luther would likely have a cool nickname like "Pope Augustine the Mad" amongst Catholics and modern-day Lutherans would claim Apostolic Succession.

What say you?
 

Driftless

Donor
Making him Pope would be a good way to co-opt him, particularly if he's in Rome. However, he does get chosen and then he goes completely off the reservation, and moves the Papal seat to North Germany, does that resut in full-on revolution?
 
Making him Pope would be a good way to co-opt him, particularly if he's in Rome. However, he does get chosen and then he goes completely off the reservation, and moves the Papal seat to North Germany, does that resut in full-on revolution?

He would be an "Anti-Pope" and the Curia would claim they elected him under duress, which would result in the election of a new Pope. Martin then would probably lead a fairly loyal German, "true Catholic" Church. If this is the case, it is possible that depending upon Martin's politicking Anglicanism might just split off as a branch of German Catholicism. Thus, true Protestantism would be limited to Scotland and Switzerland.
 
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