“Why? As far as I can see nowhere in what you quoted did it say the Church ever authorized the sale indulgences.”
Read it again:
“Various doubtful and reprehensible methods were resorted to for raising money. He created new offices and dignities, and the most exalted places were put up for sale. Jubilees and indulgences were degraded almost entirely into financial transactions”
And, further:
“To indemnify hiim, and to make it possible to discharge these obligations Rome permitted him to have preached in his territory the plenary indulgence promised all those who contributed to the new St. Peter’s”
The purpose of preaching the plenatry indulgence was for the purpose of “[making it possible to discharge these obligations” which further was “promised [to] all those who contributed to the new St. Peter’s”.
“If you mean Albrecht’s letter of instruction, look it up.”
You referenced a book, which is not available for free online. I then googled Albrecth + letter of instruction, and then tried tying it to Pope Leo, and only found an article talking about a rhinoceros that someone named Albrecht gave as a gift to Pope Leo X.
“Read it again:”
I did. It says “raising money” - NOT selling indulgences.
It says, “ preached ... contributed” - NOT selling indulgences.
It says, “preaching ...contributed” NOT selling indulgences.
you wrote:
“You referenced a book, which is not available for free online.”
Then buy it. I did.
“I then googled Albrecth + letter of instruction, and then tried tying it to Pope Leo, and only found an article talking about a rhinoceros that someone named Albrecht gave as a gift to Pope Leo X.”
Then your online search skills need work.