Johannes von Staupitz was a German theologian, humanist, and the vicar general of the Augustinian hermits in Germany, who played a crucial mentorship and pastoral role in the life of Martin Luther. As Luther's father confessor and superior, Staupitz guided the young monk through deep spiritual anxiety and scrupulosity, famously directing him to focus away from his own sins and instead look to the merits and love of Christ. Though Staupitz remained within the Catholic Church and never broke away like Luther did, his emphasis on grace, scripture, and spiritual rebirth heavily influenced the early development of Protestant theology. His feast day or commemoration is observed in some Lutheran calendars on November 8.