On October 7, 1518, Martin Luther arrived in the city of Augsburg, in obedience to the summons of his prince, Frederick the Wise. The Elector, nearing the hight of his power and influence, had arranged a hearing between his popular theologian and Thomas Cardinal Cajetan, the legate (Ambassador) of Pope Leo X. With Emperor Maximillian I dying, the Pope wanted to see Frederick crowned as the next Holy Roman Emperor to deny Charles Hapsburg, king of Spain, Austria, Hungary and territories in the Netherlands greater power. Frederick valued Luther and the prestige in brought to the University. He was determined that Luther receive a fair hearing. The Cardinal was under orders to pressure Luther to take back his challenge to the authority of the pope.
The Elector had the Legate’s word that the hearing would be fair and that Luther would not be arrested. Luther traveled on foot with brothers from his monastic order. At each stop, friends tried to convince Luther he was in danger of execution and not to go to Augsburg. Unaware of the secret arrangements, friends secured an imperial safe conduct, to the irritation of Cajetan. In Augsburg, the Carmelite monastery provided lodging, with a Wittenberg University doctoral student, the prior, as host. Two of the Elector’s counselors were present to advise him and his friend and superior, Johann Staupitz, was on his way. The city of Augsburg, a self-ruling territory, was already partial to Luther and provided subtle support and intellegence. Luther sent notice to the Cardinal and delicate negotiations began. Although there was good will on both sides, everyone knew that the aims of Luther, his prince and growing list of allies were at odds with the Cardinal’s commission and commitments.
Luther was looking for a debate. He would not give up his teachings unless convinced from Scripture he was wrong. He was not at this time opposed to the authority of the pope, but saw that popes had made mistakes in the past. He was coming to the conclusion that people could be sure of salvation when they have faith in God’s Grace given in the Lord’s Supper. The Cardinal was the chief defender of Papal authority and convinced that a believer must contribute good works to be saved, and, since you could never know it was good enough, a Christian could never be sure they are saved. A collision was inevitable and everyone knew it.
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