The leading figure of the Protestant Reformation in Germany was Martin Luther. In 1517, he famously challenged the Catholic Church's practices by posting his Ninety-Five Theses, which criticized the sale of indulgences and other church practices he deemed corrupt. Luther’s ideas inspired a movement that emphasized justification by faith alone and the authority of Scripture over church tradition. His translation of the Bible into German made the scriptures more accessible, allowing laypeople to engage with religious texts directly. Luther’s actions triggered a profound transformation in the religious landscape of Europe and laid the foundation for various Protestant denominations.