Due to the fact that they had believed that the world was the center of the universe and refused to believe otherwise.
Although it was more of a biblical Catholic Church going against the model, the general public was mainly dictated by the Catholic Church. Since this was introduced in a religious period, it was opposed because it basically stated that the scripture was wrong. Scientists also were looked down upon at the moment as their findings would basically instigate that the Church’s teaching was incorrect.
Hope this helps!