Absolute Power
Henry VIII of England was the epitome of an absolute ruler. Henry exercised completely control over England and did absolutely whatever he wanted to do. The only real check on his power was the pope and the Roman Catholic Church. The Church's wealth and power kept Europe's monarchs in place, including Henry. Henry voiced his support of the Church at the beginning of his reign, but this changed drastically later in his rule.
Although Henry's main reason for leaving the Catholic Church was to get a divorce and marry Anne Boleyn, it also allowed him to be free of the Catholic Church. As head of his own Anglican Church, Henry no longer had to give in to the papacy or the Catholic Church. He now was in control of all political, social, economic, and religious decisions. He could do however he pleased with the new Church of England without having to worry about papal approval. Leaving the Catholic Church also allowed Henry to dissolve the Catholic clergy and monasteries in England, which provided him with a lot of money and land.
Although Henry's main reason for leaving the Catholic Church was to get a divorce and marry Anne Boleyn, it also allowed him to be free of the Catholic Church. As head of his own Anglican Church, Henry no longer had to give in to the papacy or the Catholic Church. He now was in control of all political, social, economic, and religious decisions. He could do however he pleased with the new Church of England without having to worry about papal approval. Leaving the Catholic Church also allowed Henry to dissolve the Catholic clergy and monasteries in England, which provided him with a lot of money and land.