Tetzel, Johann, << TEHT suhl, YOH hahn >> (1465?-1519), was a Dominican friar who sold papal indulgences in Germany. He declared that anyone who bought an indulgence was freed from punishment for confessed sins and even could choose a soul to be freed from purgatory. Tetzel’s claim led Martin Luther in 1517 to draw up his Ninety-Five Theses in protest. Tetzel’s action thus helped start the Protestant Reformation.
Many Roman Catholics criticized Tetzel for his exaggerated claims for indulgences. He defended himself vigorously but clumsily.
Tetzel was born in Pirna, Germany. In 1504, Tetzel started his long career of selling indulgences.
