WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Under current Catholic canon law, excommunicates remain bound by ecclesiastical obligations such as attending Mass, even though they are barred from receiving the Eucharist and from taking an active part in the liturgy (reading, bringing the offerings, etc.).

Detailed explanation-2: -In debates with the formidable theologian Johannes Eck, Luther stood his ground in what was interpreted as a direct challenge to papal authority. Eck was later instrumental in urging Pope Leo to issue the papal bull, or edict, condemning Luther’s views as heresy and threatening him with excommunication.

Detailed explanation-3: -In January 1521, Pope Leo X excommunicated Luther.

Detailed explanation-4: -The last person to incur public excommunication was Swiss Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, according to Msgr. John Tracy Ellis, a historian. Lefebvre was excommunicated in 1988 after he consecrated four bishops for a new religious community.