Wolsey being a cardinal with a heavy influence and good relationship with Rome, Henry was certain that Wolsey would be able to secure the annulment from Catherine with Wolsey pleading his case in Rome. Instead of asking the Pope for an annulment, Wolsey argues on behalf of Henry that the marriage was never valid because Pope Julius II did not have the right to give the special dispensation to marry Arthur’s widow. Henry claimed that no Pope could dispense a law from God. Pope Clement VII is unwilling to concede that Julius II lacked the power to grant the special dispensation. Even more troubling is that Pope Clement VII had been in the captivity of Charles V, ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, and the nephew of Catherine of Aragon. It was in the Pope’s best interest to not grant the annulment, as it seems Pope Clement VII seemed to fear Charles V more than Henry
Wolsey being a cardinal with a heavy influence and good relationship with Rome, Henry was certain that Wolsey would be able to secure the annulment from Catherine with Wolsey pleading his case in Rome. Instead of asking the Pope for an annulment, Wolsey argues on behalf of Henry that the marriage was never valid because Pope Julius II did not have the right to give the special dispensation to marry Arthur’s widow. Henry claimed that no Pope could dispense a law from God. Pope Clement VII is unwilling to concede that Julius II lacked the power to grant the special dispensation. Even more troubling is that Pope Clement VII had been in the captivity of Charles V, ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, and the nephew of Catherine of Aragon. It was in the Pope’s best interest to not grant the annulment, as it seems Pope Clement VII seemed to fear Charles V more than Henry