The Diet of Worms was an imperial assembly of the Holy Roman Empire held in Worms, Germany, in 1521.

Martin Luther was summoned by the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, to answer for his writings, which had been condemned by the Pope.

Luther was granted safe conduct to and from the Diet.

He was presented with his writings and asked to recant (disavow) his teachings.

After a day to consider, Luther refused to recant unless he could be proven wrong by scripture or plain reason.

He is famously credited with concluding his statement with the words: 'Here I stand, I can do no other. God help me. Amen.'

This act was a direct defiance of the authority of both the Papacy and the Holy Roman Emperor.

Following his refusal, the Emperor issued the Edict of Worms, declaring Luther an outlaw and a heretic.

For his own safety, Luther was secretly intercepted on his journey home and hidden at Wartburg Castle by his protector, Frederick the Wise.

His stand at Worms transformed the Reformation from a theological dispute into a major political and social movement.