Pope John XXII formalizes the persecution of witchcraft in 1320 when he authorizes the Inquisition to prosecute sorcery, which has come to be associated with heresy and apostasy.

Among Europe’s Catholics, Protestants, and secular leaders of the age to follow, fears regarding witchcraft will rise to fever pitch, and sometimes lead to large-scale witch-hunts.

Throughout this time, it is increasingly believed that Christianity is engaged in an apocalyptic battle against the Devil and his secret army of witches, who have entered into diabolical pact.

In total, tens or hundreds of thousands of people will be executed, and others imprisoned, tortured, banished, and suffer the confiscation of lands and possessions.

The majority of those accused will be women, though in some regions the majority will be men.

Accusations of witchcraft are frequently combined with other charges of heresy against such groups as the Cathars and Waldensians.