a sense of urgency in Wolsey's action. The issues of the annulment were further clouded when it was realized that arguing that Pope Jullius II's dispensation was against the word of God would not be accepted by Clement on the grounds that a pope never admits that a previous pontiff was incorrect. This meant that Wolsey would have to argue that the marriage was invalid on the grounds that there were "technical deficiencies"8 in the dispensation. Wolsey proposed a solution to Rome that could answer this question conclusively, and it would also make appeals impossible. Wolsey proposed the formation of a decretal commission, who would interpret the law as it applies in this case and it's ruling would be untouchable upon appeal. This seemed to be the solution and in April 1528 Clement VII agreed to the plan but with Charles V still at his door he was cautious. Wolsey knew that he would not get any more from a pope with a reason to fear Charles V much more than Henry VIII.9 This did not stop Wolsey from sending one less message to Rome that warned that if the divorce was not granted quickly he, Wolsey, was in danger and Henry was on the virge of becoming Protestant like the German princes. The year 1528 ended with Queen Catherine being sent from court and Anne Boleyn moving into the apartment adjoining the kings chambers.On June 18, 1529, the court opened at Blackfriars and was overseen by Cardinal Wolsey and Cardinal Campeggio. The trial opened with Catherine informing all that she had already appealed to Rome. This did not stop the trial from commencing and Bishop Fisher presented a strong case for Catherine while Henry's case balanced on weak facts. This soon would not matter as the troops of Charles V beat back the French and re-secured Rome. This event signaled the end for Henry's attempts at an amicable solution. With Clement VII back in Charles' pocket the case was revoked on July 16th. Before the revocation document was...
