Multiple choice history europe in transition reformation and enlightenment in europe reformation in europe modern age in europe: the renaissance The immediate cause of Martin Luther's protest against the Papal authority was The involvement of clergy in politics Sale of indulgences Corruption in monasteries Immoral life of the Pope Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself B Correct answer Explanation He accused the church of the sale of indulgences. In 1517, Luther wrote the 95 thesis or statements dealing with the difference between the beliefs and practices of the church and nailed them on the church door at Wittenburg.