What was the primary aim of the Edict of Worms?

The primary aim of the Edict of Worms was to condemn Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. Issued in 1521 by Emperor Charles V, the edict declared Luther an outlaw and heretic, effectively prohibiting his teachings and works. This was a significant move in the context of the Reformation, as it highlighted the intense conflict between the established Catholic Church and the emerging Protestant ideas championed by Luther. The Edict aimed to suppress the spread of Luther's reforms, which challenged the authority of the Church and sought to address issues such as the sale of indulgences and the interpretation of Scripture. This decree played a crucial role in shaping the religious landscape of Europe, as it intensified the divide between Catholicism and Protestantism, leading to further theological disputes and upheavals in the following years.