How did the catholic church defend the selling of indulgences?

Catholic church defended the selling of indulgences by saying it was to minimize the sins of the people. Indulgence was issued by Church and given to a people who did good work or penance. In the Middle Ages, people became involved in devoting to their Churches and God. The laws and regulations were in the hands of the Church. The main reason for the selling of the indulgences by the catholic church was to raise funds to built St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.  

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