“Seems to me that they never shoulda left Rome, so this makes sense.”
I think the proper admonition is that they never should have had to leave Rome. They did, and they did.
This is meant as no slight to the todays RCC, but in Henry’s time they were the center of much political intrigue. Rome openly favored Spain, and by refusing to replace English Bishops, funds went straight to Rome instead of remaining in the respective Dioceses in England.
Henry really had little choice but to break with Rome. He did what was best for England. To be sure he had is own personal reasons, but Rome typically allowed folks to buy their way out of most any personal jam, especially monarchs - they refused Henry for aforementioned political reasons.
I’m not trying to start a religious war - I am happy for anyone who finds solace in a conversion to the RCC (or any other faith).
The traditional Anglican faith is a beautiful one, and I will not give it up.
Cheers.
Cardinal Newman, Anglican convert, said "converts come to the Catholic Church not so much to lose what they have, but to gain what they have not, by means of what they have, more may be given to them." or as Yogi said 'it ain't over till it's over. Regards,
The Pope was an enemy of Spanish King/Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. It was Charles’s army that sacked Rome and captured the Pope as a prisoner. Catherine of Aragon was Charles’s aunt so no way in hell would Charles allow his prisoner Pope to annul his Aunt’s marriage and humiliate her and the whole Hapsburg family.