Thomas Wolsey (1473–1530) was an English Catholic statesman and Cardinal who rose to become King Henry VIII's most trusted advisor. He controlled the government but fell from power after failing to annul the king's marriage to Katherine of Aragon. His life story highlights the dramatic rise and fall of the Tudor court. His failure to obtain the Pope's approval for the annulment led to his loss of the king's trust, his removal from office, and his death before trial.