Why did Nicholas Copernicus wait to publish his works on his deathbed?

His work on the three laws of motion contradicted the Lutheran Church.
His work on heliocentric theory went against Catholic doctrine and beliefs.
His work included the dissection of cadavers, which was against church rules.
His work on electricity and magnetism challenged teachings of the papacy.

2 answers

http://www.ncregister.com/blog/mark-shea/catholic_church_lets_copernicus_out_of_hell
It is B, His work on heliocentric theory went against Catholic doctrine and beliefs.