The cultural significance of the Reformation in Europe was immense, as it challenged the hegemony of the Roman Catholic Church and led to the emergence of Protestantism. Initiated by figures like Martin Luther, who criticized Church practices such as the sale of indulgences, the Reformation fueled calls for religious and institutional reform. This movement sparked religious wars, shifts in power, and changes in societal norms. It encouraged individual interpretation of scriptures and contributed to the rise of various Christian denominations, deeply influencing Western culture, education, and ideas about governance and personal faith.