Leo X died on December 1, 1521, and in his place was elected Adrian of Utrecht, a man of very different character.

[Sidenote: Adrian VI, 1522-33] Though he had already taken a strong stand against Luther, he was deeply resolved to reform the corruption of the church.

To the Diet called at Nuremberg [Sidenote: Diet of Nuremberg, 1522] in the latter part of 1522 he sent as legate Chieregato with a brief demanding the suppression of the schism.

It was monstrous, said he, that one little brother should seduce a whole nation from the path trodden by so many martyrs and learned doctors.

Do you suppose, he asked, that the people will longer respect civil government if they are taught to despise the canons and decrees of the spiritual power?
At the same time Adrian wrote to Chieregato: Say that we frankly confess that God permits this persecution of his church on account of the sins of men, especially those of the priests and prelates.