The pope objected to it and German Catholics, especially in Bavaria, strongly opposed it.

The South German Protestant states accepted it only under pressure.

Maurice of Saxony adopted it in a modified form, known as the Leipzig Interim, in December 1548.

The assistance rendered him by Melanchthon caused a fierce attack on the theologian by his fellow-Lutherans.

In enforcing the Interim Maurice found his own profit, for when Magdeburg won the nickname of "our Lord God's pulpit" by refusing to accept it, Maurice was entrusted with the execution of the imperial ban, and captured the city on November 9, 1551.
Germany now fell into a confused condition, every state for itself.
The emperor found his own {130} difficulties in trying to make his son Philip successor to his Brother Ferdinand.