What were pardons that could be purchased to reduce time in purgatory called?

The term used for pardons that could be purchased to reduce time in purgatory is "indulgences." During the late medieval period, the Catholic Church sold indulgences to help believers alleviate their time in purgatory, which was understood as a temporary state of purification for souls who had died in a state of grace but still needed to be purified before entering heaven. This practice was based on the Church's teachings surrounding sin and penance, and indulgences were often promoted as a way to encourage charitable giving or the financing of church projects, such as the building of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

In the context of the Protestant Reformation, the sale of indulgences became a significant point of contention, leading reformers like Martin Luther to criticize the practice, arguing that salvation could not be bought and was instead a gift from God through faith. This controversy ultimately played a crucial role in the development of Protestantism and challenged the authority of the Catholic Church.

In summary, indulgences specifically referred to the practice of purchasing pardons for reducing time in purgatory, making this answer the most accurate in the context provided.