It was not in the temper of the times to accept a Concordat founded on however philosophical, however politic, considerations.

Contarini will be remembered as a 'beautiful soul,' born out of the due moment, and by no means adequate to cope with the fierce passions that raged round him.

Among Protestants he was a Catholic, and they regarded his half measures with contempt.

Among Catholics he passed for a suspected Lutheran, and his writings were only tolerated after they had been subjected to rigorous castration at the hands of Papal Inquisitors.[4] On Christmas eve the ambassadors and representatives of the Italian powers met together in the chambers of Cardinal Gattinara, Grand Chancellor of the Empire, to subscribe the terms of a confederation and perpetual league for the maintenance of peace.

From this important document the Florentines were excluded, as open rebels to the will of Charles and Clement.