8/13/20

Urian: Cardinal Wolsey's Dog Bites Pope Clement VII


The Church of England may never have been established if it wasn't for a greyhound named Urian belonging to Cardinal Wolsey who bit Pope Clement VII.


Pope Clement VII

Henry VIII wanted a divorce from Catherine of Aragon because she was unable to give him a male heir. He sent Cardinal Wolsey to the Vatican to convince Pope Clement VII to grant him a divorce. According to legend, the Cardinal took his dog Urian with him and when he met with the Pope (as was the custom) he bent down to kiss the Pope's toe. Urian, thinking his master's life was in danger, bit the Pope's foot.

The divorce was not granted. Henry VIII had the archbishop of Canterbury grant the divorce, married Ann Boleyn, broke away from the Catholic church and established the Church of England.