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Religious Developments Under Wolsey - Coggle Diagram
Religious Developments Under Wolsey
Overview
Wolsey pursued a career in the Church and he became to be the Pope's representative in England.
Henry's support was important when the Pope made Wolsey a Cardinal and again when the Pope appointed Wolsey Papal Legate. This made Wolsey the most powerful churchman in England despite, only being Archbishop of York not Canterbury.
Wolsey was made Papal Legate temporarily but then was later granted additional powers which enabled him to act on behalf of the Pope in 1524. In a way his directly benefitted Henry.
Therefore, Wolsey has huge influence over the reform of the Church.
Condition of the Church in 1520s
Most people remained instinctively loyal to the Catholic Church.
There was definite strand of anticlericalism, which Wolsey did nothing to reduce.
More people became aware of the criticisms of taxes going to Rome to an extravagant Pope and were aware of the shortcomings of clergy.
In many ways Wolsey embodied these concerns as he was living a life of luxury and had illegitimate children...etc
When the reformation in Europe began, there was already those in England who were sympathetic to Church reform.
The other strand of dissent from Catholic belief stemmed form events in 1517, following Martin Luther's arguments that contradicted some key aspects of Catholicism in Germany.
He and other reformers published their beliefs, which stressed the Bible and criticised many Catholic rituals.
The Church reforms
Papal Legate and monasteries
This meant he able to order inspections of religious life in monasteries and other religious institutions.
Resulting in over two dozen religious houses were dissolved.
In 1528 he drew up plans to close down monasteries with fewer than six inmates.
Education
He was invested in promoting religious learning to improve the quality of the clergy.
This was partly funded by the dissolution of some monasteries.
Oppositions
As cardinal representing the Catholic Church thus, he was strongly opposed to the spread of Protestant ideas in England.
He encouraged Henry to take a stand against new ideas of Martin Luther. This led to public burnings of Lutheran texts.
He labelled the "Defender of the Faith" by the Pope after writing a book against Martin Luther... this was a huge honour.
However...
Lutheran supporters were seen as well meaning people who has been wrongly influenced and need to see the errors in their ways.
Issues...
Wolsey embodied everything that needed changing. He had a range of religious titles and had a huge income. He could not fulfil his religious duties and accused of absenteeism and plurality.
Although there wasn't huge reforms Wolsey did have the power to direct the direction of the Church.