The pope's selling of indulgences was what triggered Luther's action, but his real desire was to bring about change or the end to the corruption which he saw within the papacy itself. But, by attacking the pope as viciously as he did Luther became a heretic instead of a reformer.
http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/l/luther_martin%20.html Look it up. He never meant to leave the church, only reform it at that time. All catholics who have had higher education in theology know this. And the Church of England has met with the pope trying to reconcil differences.
"And the Church of England has met with the pope trying to reconcil differences."
Talks have been ongoing for decades; but the Anglican/Episcopal Church keeps taking steps which will prevent full unity: women priests, women bishops, active homosexual priests and now a bishop.