The Break with Rome 1

Henry's Annulment

• At the time Henry had no reason to believe that papal approval for his proposed marriage annulment would not be avaliable
• Henry believed his marriage with Catherine violated divine law
• He based his case on scripture, using verses from 'Leviticus' (A book of the old Testament) that prohibited marriage to one's dead brother
• Henry and his supporters thought this was a clear cut case
• The papal dispensation that had allowed Henry to marry Catherine in the first place was invalid as it violated divine law and was therefore beyond the authority of Rome
• …