Exsurge Domine
Categories: Lutheran-related stubs | Catholic-related stubs | Papal bulls
Exsurge Domine<cite> was a papal bull issued on June 15, 1520 by Pope Leo X in response to the teachings of Martin Luther in opposition to the papacy stated in his 95 theses and subsequent writings. While the bull did not directly criticize all of Luther's points, it did specifically demand that Luther retract 41 of his 95 theses as well as other specified "errors" within sixty days of its publication in neighboring regions to Saxony. This time expired on December 10, 1520, which was the day on which Luther burned his copy of this bull along with volumes of canon law. Because Luther refused to comply, the pope on January 3, 1521 issued a bull excommunicating him: Decet Romanum Pontificem.
The Vatican's copy of Exsurge Domine is still extant in the Vatican Library. When it is shown to visitors they are told, "You know what Luther did with his copy."