The revered religious figure leading the Protestant Reformation is Martin Luther. His 95 Theses, which criticized the sale of indulgences and other practices within the Catholic Church, sparked a religious movement that transformed Christianity in Europe. Luther's emphasis on scripture and faith over church authority encouraged individual interpretation of the Bible, leading to the establishment of various Protestant denominations. His courage to challenge the status quo profoundly reshaped religious practices and societal structures, marking him as a pivotal figure in Western history.