Miltitz was papal nuncio. The pope had hoped that Frederick the Wise III of Saxony would become the next Holy Roman Emperor. So Miltitz, himself of Saxon heritage, was the ideal choice to help persuade Frederick to position himself to assume that role. Nonetheless, Charles V became Emperor, creating a political situation less favorable to the pope (and leaving Frederick free to assist Luther.)

In 1519, Miltitz also met with Luther and reached a tentative settlement between him and Albrecht. The terms of the settlement were that both parties would remain silent, and Luther was to publish a conciliatory letter to the pope, writing in favor of papal primacy. Albrecht, however, refused to restrain his greed and thus had no intention of stopping Tetzel from preaching and selling indulgences. Therefore there could be no real settlement.

Miltitz would meet with Luther again in 1519 and 1520, but with no success.