Why did Martin luther see the papacy as the crucial block to any meaningfuol reform of the church?

Answer 1

the Papacy endorsed such practices as "indulgences"--the selling of forgiveness for sins -- for a donation. They would turn a blind eye to the worst sins if the donation was big enough. Some very rich folks could even buy forgiveness BEFORE committing the sin. This and other practices not in conformance with common sense encouraged Martin Luther to post his "95 Theses" on the church door, beginning the period of the Reformation.