Philip II's control over the Spanish church worried the Papacy, as the Papacy saw this as a challenge to its authority. Tensions arose over cases like that of Archbishop Carranza, with Philip stalling proceedings. Both Philip and the Papacy also disagreed over foreign policy, with Philip blocking Papal efforts to excommunicate Elizabeth I of England. More broadly, the Papacy resented relying on Spanish military power while Philip saw himself as God's representative rather than an agent of the Pope.

1. Philip II and the Papacy Richard Fitzsimmons Strathallan School