1 Multiple Choice 1 point What was King Henry's primary objective in sending envoys to the Pope? To request a pardon for his excommunicated clerics. To gain an extension for fulfilling Church demands. To negotiate a truce with St. Thomas. To secure the Pope's support for deposing St. Thomas. Clear my selection

King Henry II of England sought to assert his authority over the Church and diminish its power. His primary objective in sending envoys to the Pope was to secure the Pope's support for deposing St. Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who stood firmly against Henry's attempts to control the Church's influence in England. This conflict ultimately escalated and led to Becket’s tragic murder in 1170, marking a significant moment in the history of the English monarchy and its relationship with the Church. In today's context, this power struggle reflects ongoing debates about the separation of church and state. Political leaders across the globe often navigate similar conflicts regarding religious influence on governance. Such historical events remind us that the tensions between authority, law, and personal belief systems have persisted through the centuries and continue to shape contemporary discussions on governance, freedom of religion, and civil rights.