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As the corruption increased and the Church was based on money, the purchase of church offices (benefices) or even holding multiple offices (pluralism) became more common. The Church raised money by selling indulgences, or forgiveness from God. Popes and bishops were more political than ecclesiastical figures, provided with legal exemptions from taxes and criminal charges, and using graft and bribery to gain and exploit power. Clergy in the Roman hierarchy and as near as the village priest ignored church teachings on priestly celibacy and poverty, weakening the church's moral authority. A prime example of corruption in the church during this era is pope Alexander VI who is thought by modern historians to be the most corrupt church figure ever, he was involed in countless orgies, pluralism.
Such abuse of authority led to resentment of the Church and contempt among the clergy. Monarchs resented having to collect taxes and send money to Rome (tithes). The upper class, envious of papal wealth, noticed opportunity to obtain Church land. Use of the printing press to spread works by vernacular authors fostered nationalism. John Wycliff initiated the first English translation of the Bible and is considered the precursor to the Protestant Reformation.
