What was the Church's reaction to Martin Luther posting the ninety-five theses on the church doors?

Answer 1

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The actual posting of his theses on the church door per se did not provoke a reaction. It was the academic custom of the age to offer an argument in this manner and invite public debate on an issue. (Armenio 2005, p. 469)

However, the content of his theses, such as his criticism of the abuse of indulgences at the time, drew the attention of the Archbishop of Mainz who forwarded Luther's theses to Pope Leo X. Pope Leo X, however, initially considered the critique a minor incident. (cf. Armenio 2005, p. 469)

Cardinal Cajetan, O.P., Sylvester Prierias, Johann Eck and other prominent Catholic theologians would then study Luther's theses to prepare to respond. Luther was later invited to Leipzig on June 27, 1519 to discuss difficulties that were found in his theology supporting his theses. By the end of the debate, it became clear that Luther had taken a position contrary to Church teaching. Because of his break with Church teaching, Catholic scholars such as Erasmus who had once sympathized with Luther began to withdraw their support (cf. Armenio 2005, p. 470)

Unfortunately, his break with Church teaching was considered so severe as to be considered heretical. Pope Leo X issued the bull Exsurge Domine which gave Luther two months to formally retract his opinions under threat of excommunication. A few decades later, Luther died in his sleep on February 18, 1546, without having reconciled with the Church. (cf. Armenio 2005, pp. 470, 475)

REFERENCES

Armenio, P. Socias, J. ed. The History of The Church - A Complete Course, (Woodridge, IL: Midwest Theological Forum, 2005).