War was seen as an instrument of foreign policy. The result was a continuation of international instability that would persist throughout the Reformation era.
"The Roman Catholic Church perhaps reached its low point in terms of moral example in the years surrounding the Reformation. As such, the ground was fertile for a backlash. The poor moral example started at the very top. For example, Pope Alexander VI (1431-1503) was known for throwing orgies in the Vatican. Alexander VI is most well known for fathering a child by his illegitimate daughter, Lucrezia Borgia and actually appointed his illegitimate son (Cesare Borgia) to the College of Cardinals. The papacy was also well known for nepotism during the 15th and early 16th century. Sixtus IV (r. 1471-1484), for example, appointed 6 nephews and grandnephews to the College of Cardinals and appointed an 8-year-old boy as Archbishop of Lisbon. Leo X (the pope that excommunicated Martin Luther) appointed 6 cousins and nephews as cardinals" (Mackenney 1993: 4).
The poor moral examples extended downward to the clergy. By the 16th century, the lax discipline in many monasteries and nunneries in Europe had reached almost epidemic proportions. "Gluttony, sexual excess, avarice and other vices were common in many religious houses, to the point where monks and nuns in many areas became targets of either hatred or derision from local townspeople" (Mackenney 1993: 5). ".the five Vicars of Christ who ruled the Holy See during Magellan's lifetime [1480-1521] were the least Christian of men; the least devout, least scrupulous, least compassionate, and among the least chaste - lechers, almost without exception. Ruthless in their pursuit of political power and personal gain, they were medieval despots who used their holy office for blackmail and extortion" (Mackenney 1993: 133).
The Roman Church was also known for its excessive wealth during this period.