Thomas Wolsey

An English statesman and Catholic bishop by the name of Thomas Wolsey. Wolsey was appointed as the king's almoner in 1509, when Henry VIII became the monarch of England. Wolsey's business grew, and by 1514 he had assumed absolute power over almost all governmental issues. Additionally, he had significant clerical positions. These included the papal legate position and the York Archbishopric, the second-most significant position in the English church. In 1515, Pope Leo X bestowed him the rank of cardinal, elevating him above all other English clergy.

Wolsey rose to the post of Lord Chancellor, the king's top advisor, which was the greatest political position he held (formally, as his successor and disciple Thomas Cromwell was not). He had a lot of freedom and was frequently portrayed as an alter ego in that capacity ("other king"). Wolsey lost favor and had his government titles taken away after he was unable to secure Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon's annulment. To fulfill his clerical obligations as archbishop, which he theoretically retained but had disregarded throughout his years in office, he withdrew to York. He was sent to London to face treason accusations, which Henry frequently brought against ministers who lost his favor, but he passed away on the route due to natural causes.