“While they did persecute the Jews and others, this was at the behest of the monarch”
A steaming pantload. We always hear this excuse, that the Monarchs made all the rules and the innocent church meekly did what they said. Already some weak sisters even if true. But the fact is that the monarchs of that time gained legitimacy only through their acceptance by Rome.
The tail didn’t wag the dog. Monarchs didn’t tell the church what to do. Ferdinand would have been out on his ear if the pope disagreed. And he was a devout Catholic, the papacy had plenty of tools to deal with him if they opposed his ideas.
But they didn’t.
Ten Hail Calvins are in order. (JUST KIDDING JUST KIDDING)