Growth of influence
When Henry VIII became king, he appointed Wolsey as Royal Almoner, so in 1509 he became a member of the Royal Council. The ambitious priest now had access to Henry, and the opportunity to build a personal relationship with the king.
Wolsey's 'big break' came in 1512. Henry needed someone to organise an army for war with France. Wolsey took it on and supplied Henry with a well-equipped and well-supplied army to France in 1513. Henry was impressed with Wolsey's efficiency and saw him as a capable subject, so he was appointed as Lord Chancellor in 1515. This gave him the highest position in Henry's government.
Wolsey also gained influence in the Church, by 1515, he as Bishop of Lincoln, Archbishop of York and a cardinal. He also managed to be named Papal Legate in 1518, making him the pope's representative in England.