So little was the office considered national that the kings of France and England entered the lists, and the former, Francis I, actually at one time secured the promise of votes from the majority of electors.

Pope Leo made explicit engagements to both Charles and Francis to support their claims, and at the same time instructed his legate to labor for the choice of a German prince, either Frederic of Saxony, if he would in return give up Luther, or else Joachim of Brandenburg.

But at no time was the election seriously in doubt.

The electors followed the only possible course in choosing Charles on June 28.

They profited, however, by the rivalry of the rich king of France to extort enormous bribes and concessions from Charles.