The emperor, consequently, undertook to settle the religious differences himself.

He caused twenty-six articles to be drawn up as the basis of pacification, which he wished both the Catholics and the Protestants to sign.

The pope was indignant, and the Catholics were disgusted with this interference of the emperor in the faith of the Church, a matter which in their view belonged exclusively to the pope and the councils which he might convene.
The emperor, however, resolutely persevered in the endeavor to compel the Protestants to subscribe to his articles, and punished severely those who refused to do so.

In his Burgundian provinces he endeavored to establish the inquisition, that all heresy might be nipped in the bud.
In his zeal he quite outstripped the pope.

As Julius III.