Observations of the solar spots were reported not only from Galileo in Italy, but from Fabricius in Holland.

Father Scheiner then endeavoured to make the usual compromise between theology and science.

He promulgated a pseudo-scientific theory, which only provoked derision.
The war became more and more bitter.

The Dominican Father Caccini preached a sermon from the text, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven ?" and this wretched pun upon the great astronomer's name ushered in sharper weapons; for, before Caccini ended, he insisted that "geometry is of the devil," and that "mathematicians should be banished as the authors of all heresies." The Church authorities gave Caccini promotion.
Father Lorini proved that Galileo's doctrine was not only heretical but "atheistic," and besought the Inquisition to intervene.

The Bishop of Fiesole screamed in rage against the Copernican system, publicly insulted Galileo, and denounced him to the Grand-Duke.