A Church Divided

S1 E4: Following the excess and scandal of the Renaissance era, the papacy looks to reclaim its sense of morality and leadership. Men like Martin Luther and Henry VIII begin to question the previously absolute power of the papacy and initiate a splintering of what was once a universal church. Rome responds by making deep reforms and launching spiritual movements. Ignatius Loyola founds the Jesuits, a new sect of Catholicism focused on universal education for all. Pope Francis comes to power as the first Jesuit pope in history.