The political theology of Reginald Pole’s Pro Ecclesiasticae Unitatis Defensione

Ludovico Battista (Sapienza University of Rome) discusses The political theology of Reginald Pole’s Pro Ecclesiasticae Unitatis Defensione, focusing on the historical context of its composition and its arguments for papal primacy. The text was written in response to Henry VIII’s Act of Supremacy and argues for the subordination of temporal power to the universal spiritual authority of the Pope. Pole’s work is situated within a tradition of theocratic arguments advocating for the absolute authority of the papal caput vertex. The reception and interpretation of Biblical texts and figures emerges as key in Pole’s arguments, especially when he depicts the Pope as the ‘New Moses.’ The essay also notes Pole’s engagement with Erasmus’ thought and his emphasis on the importance of penance and God’s mercy.