Why did Galileo publicly deny what he had proved to be true?

Answer 1

Because having said that he could prove it, he had to admit that he could not. Although the heliocentric theory is accepted now, it was not accepted in Galileo's lifetime. After his death scientific knowledge advanced to the point that everyone was forced to admit it was right.

But Galileo was not right, given the state of scientific knowledge during his lifetime.

Answer 2

Galileo publicly denied his findings to avoid persecution by the Catholic Church, which had condemned heliocentrism as heretical. He faced the threat of harsh punishment, including imprisonment and possibly death if he did not recant his findings.

Answer 3

Because at the time, the Catholic church was an entirely political organisation, and politicians don't like being told they are completely and utterly wrong. So they require him to make th public denial, or face excommunication (banning from the church, which was a lot more severe to people in those days) or possibly death.

Answer 4

The reason why galileo denyed his theory is because the church would have killed him other wise