(1509-1564)

John Calvin (aka. Jean Cauvin) played an important role in the Protestant Reformation—perhaps second only to Martin Luther in importance.

Calvin wrote the deeply influential Institutes of the Christian Religion (published in 1536, see also the Britannica summary), developed the "presbyterian" model of church government, and has been called the "organizer of Protestantism" because of his pastoral work organizing churches in Strassburg and Geneva.

He was born on July 10, 1509 in the city of Noyon in Picardy, France (where his childhood home is now a museum), was raised with children of the aristocracy, adopted the Latin "Calvin" as a young scholar. His father was the Bishop's secretary serving the cathedral in Noyon, and he ensured that Calvin was well educated. At age 14, Calvin enrolled at the University of Paris and later attended the College de Montaigu there. Calvin studied theology and in the

After his election to the papacy (1523-34), Clement moved the Papacy to Rome to begin the 72 year Babylonian Captivity of the papacy, it was moved to Avignon, France. When Clement VII was selected, he ruled from Avignon while Pope Urban VI ruled from Rome. This began the Great Schism of the Papacy. Clement refused to annul King Henry's marriage to Catherine because she was the Aunt of Charles V, Roman Emperor and King of Spain. Clement eventually excommunicated Henry. His alliance with Francis I, King of France, spurred the Ire of King Charles V, who marched against Rome and sacked it. Clement barely escaped with his life.

[tags]BlogRodent, Charles-V, church-history, ChurchRodent, Francis-I, Great-Schism, history, Pope-Clement-VII, Pope-Urban-VI[/tags]

King of France during Emperor Charles V's reign. Between him, Charles, and the popes lasted a battle for over two decades to call a General Council.

[tags]BlogRodent, Charles-V, church-history, ChurchRodent, Francis-I, history[/tags]