Henry VIII

  • From “Defender of the Faith” to Rome’s Problem Child

    From “Defender of the Faith” to Rome’s Problem Child

    In 1521, Pope Leo X crowned Henry VIII’s reputation with a shining title: “Defender of the Faith.” Yet Henry’s quest for an annulment, a male heir, and royal control over the church shattered England’s relationship with Rome. By the Act of Supremacy, Henry became head of the Church of England and, soon enough, Rome’s declared…