Frederick III of Saxony, also known as Frederick the Wise, was the Prince-elector of Saxony from 1486 until his death in 1525. He is most famous for providing essential protection to Martin Luther, the central figure of the Protestant Reformation, against the authorities of the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor. While he remained a Roman Catholic throughout most of his life, he was a significant supporter of the rule of law and the right to a fair trial for his subjects. He also established the University of Wittenberg, which became a vital center for theological study.