Henry VIII "Defender of the Faith"
Henry VIII Defender of the Faith
“The Defender of the Faith” is a title of which has been bestowed upon all English Monarch since the reign of Henry VIII. Decreed by Pope Leo X on the 17th of October 1521 the title represented
Henry VIII’s piety and loyalty to the Roman Catholic Church. However Henry VIII’s agenda changed, the pope became a hindrance to his plan thus he no longer sought the Catholic faith for guidance.
From the pious, motivated, youthful King that Henry VIII was, to the tyrant Henry VIII became.
Looking deeper into Henry VIII’s upbringing, actions and character the title still remains relevant.
Fidei Defnsor, Latin for the title ‘Defender of the Faith’ is a title which belongs to the sovereign of England. Granted by Pope Leo X during the reign of King Henry VIII the titled has been inherited by each succeeding English monarch since its first establishment.
Originally the title represented England’s standing under the pope. It brought prestige and honour to the English monarch who in himself represented the English nation. The importance of Henrys titles not only was prestigious but it put England in a position of political influence, for a close relationship with the Pope went far in Christendom.
Henry was granted his title because of the piety he demonstrated to the Catholic Church. The Pope recognized the English Monarch as a man of God shortly after he had written the book, ‘Defence of the Seven Sacraments’ against the revolutionary Martin Luther. It was at this time that Martin Luther was declaring independence from the Catholic Church.
As a second son “Henry was prepared for a life in the church” (Henry and his many
Relationships:2013) this reveals a lot of his character. Arthur, his brother was born and raised to be
King, he however passed away leaving Henry, who was born and raised to serve the church, the heir.
What can be understood about Henry VIII’s character as a youthful king was that Henry was a very
“The Defender of the Faith” is a title of which has been bestowed upon all English Monarch since the reign of Henry VIII. Decreed by Pope Leo X on the 17th of October 1521 the title represented
Henry VIII’s piety and loyalty to the Roman Catholic Church. However Henry VIII’s agenda changed, the pope became a hindrance to his plan thus he no longer sought the Catholic faith for guidance.
From the pious, motivated, youthful King that Henry VIII was, to the tyrant Henry VIII became.
Looking deeper into Henry VIII’s upbringing, actions and character the title still remains relevant.
Fidei Defnsor, Latin for the title ‘Defender of the Faith’ is a title which belongs to the sovereign of England. Granted by Pope Leo X during the reign of King Henry VIII the titled has been inherited by each succeeding English monarch since its first establishment.
Originally the title represented England’s standing under the pope. It brought prestige and honour to the English monarch who in himself represented the English nation. The importance of Henrys titles not only was prestigious but it put England in a position of political influence, for a close relationship with the Pope went far in Christendom.
Henry was granted his title because of the piety he demonstrated to the Catholic Church. The Pope recognized the English Monarch as a man of God shortly after he had written the book, ‘Defence of the Seven Sacraments’ against the revolutionary Martin Luther. It was at this time that Martin Luther was declaring independence from the Catholic Church.
As a second son “Henry was prepared for a life in the church” (Henry and his many
Relationships:2013) this reveals a lot of his character. Arthur, his brother was born and raised to be
King, he however passed away leaving Henry, who was born and raised to serve the church, the heir.
What can be understood about Henry VIII’s character as a youthful king was that Henry was a very
References: Henry 's Divorce from Catherine. 2013. Henry 's Divorce from Catherine. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/henry_catherine_divorce.htm King Henry VIII. 2013. King Henry VIII. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.elizabethanera.org.uk/king-henry-viii.htm. [Accessed 16 September 2013]. England: Royal Styles: 1521-1553 - Archontology.org. 2013. England: Royal Styles: 1521-1553 Archontology.org. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.archontology.org/nations/uk/england/king_england/01_kingstyle_1521.php. (Henry VIII and His Many Relationships). (2013). Henry VIII and His Many Relationships. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.datehookup.com/content-henry-viii-and-his-many-relationships.htm. King Henry VIII: Biography, Portraits, Primary Sources. 2013. King Henry VIII: Biography, Portraits, Primary Sources A DESCRIPTION OF HENRY VIII. 2013. A DESCRIPTION OF HENRY VIII. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.tudorplace.com.ar/Documents/description_of_henry_viii.htm