Why did Pope Leo X seek help from Frederick the Wise in dealing with Martin Luther?

Pope Leo X sought to work through Frederick the Wise of Saxony to silence Martin Luther after initial attempts by the head of the Augustinian order to do so had failed.1

Leo’s approach to Frederick was driven by both religious and complex political motivations:

• Managing Dissent: Leo initially underestimated the Lutheran movement, viewing Luther as just another heretic whose influence would eventually fade, similar to past reformers like John Wycliffe and Jan Hus.1
• Political Strategy: During the period of Luther’s rise, a Holy Roman emperor election was pending. Leo opposed the major candidates—Henry VIII, Francis I, and Charles I of Spain—because he feared the consolidation of power would threaten the balance of power in Italy. He preferred a minor prince and favored Frederick the Wise, leading the pope to dally in his response to Luther to maintain political leverage.23

Ultimately, these efforts to silence Luther through his prince were unsuccessful.1