Why did Henry VIII split from the Catholic Church?

Henry VIII split from the Catholic Church primarily because he sought a divorce from Catherine of Aragon. His marriage to Catherine had not produced a male heir, which caused him significant concern about the stability of his dynasty. At the time, the Catholic Church, led by the Pope, did not grant divorces, particularly in Henry's situation, where an annulment was requested on the grounds of Catherine's previous marriage to his brother. Henry's insistence on a divorce was not only personal but also politically motivated, as he believed that a new marriage might provide him with a legitimate male heir.

While the other options do touch on aspects of Henry's motivations, the desire for a divorce was the fundamental trigger that led to the schism. For example, while political power and influence from Martin Luther played roles in the broader context of the Reformation, they were not the main reasons for Henry's initial break with Rome. His establishment of the Church of England primarily allowed him the autonomy needed to annul his marriage and remarry, which directly addressed his urgent concerns regarding succession.