The King continued, however, to be a staunch Catholic, and certainly
had no thought at this period of doing anything which should tend to
undermine the authority of that ancient form of worship. In Germany,
Martin Luther was making ready to begin his tremendous battle against
the power and teachings of the Papacy. In 1517 he nailed to the door
of the church of Wittenberg that famous series of denunciations which
started the movement that ultimately protested against the authority
of Rome, and gave the name of Protestant to all who joined it.
A few years later Henry published a reply to one of Luther's books,
and sent a copy bound in cloth of gold to the Pope. The Pope was so
delighted with what he termed Henry's "angelic spirit" that he
forthwith conferred on him the title of "Defender of the Faith." The
English sovereigns have persisted in retaining this title to the
present time, though for what reason, and with what right, even a
royal intellect might be somewhat puzzled to explain.
With this new and flattering title the Pope also sent the King a
costly two-handed sword, intended to represent Henry's zeal in smiting
the enemies of Rome. But it was destined by fate to become to tsymbol
of the King's final separation from the power that bestowed it (S349).