Tetzel
JOHANN, a German a preacher; born in Leipsic, Germany, about 1455. He entered the order of the Dominicans, and in 1502 was appointed by the Roman see a preacher of indulgences, and carried on for 15 years a very lucrative trade in them. His life was so corrupt that at Innsbruck he was sentenced to be drowned for adultery, but got off through powerful intercession. Having traveled to Rome, he was absolved by Pope Lec X., and now carried on the sale of indulgences with still greater effrontery. Luther came out with his theses against this crying abuse in 1517, and the popular indignation aroused, brought on the REFORMATION. (q. v.). A great part of the money acquired by his traffic in indulgences was used for the erection of St. Peter's church at Rome.
Tetzel died in Liepsic July 14, 1519.