Henry, King of Portugal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Henry |
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| Cardinal | |
_-_Cristofano_dell%27Altissimo_(Galleria_degli_Uffizi).png)
Portrait by Cristofano dell'Altissimo, c. 1587
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| King of Portugal | |
| Reign | 4 August 1578 — 31 January 1580 |
| Coronation | 28 August 1578, Lisbon |
| Predecessor | Sebastian |
| Successor | Anthony (disputed) or Philip I |
| Born | 31 January 1512 Lisbon, Portugal |
| Died | 31 January 1580 (aged 68) Almeirim, Portugal |
| Burial | Jerónimos Monastery |
| Dynasty | Aviz |
| Father | Manuel I of Portugal |
| Mother | Maria of Aragon |
| Religion | Catholicism |
Henry (Portuguese: Henrique; born January 31, 1512 – died January 31, 1580) was a unique ruler. He was known as the Chaste and the Cardinal-King. Henry was a cardinal in the Catholic Church who later became king of Portugal. He ruled Portugal from 1578 to 1580.
As a clergyman, Henry had promised not to marry or have children. This meant he had no one to take over the throne after him. His death ended the House of Aviz, which had ruled Portugal for a long time. After Henry died, there was a big problem about who would be the next king. This led to the Portuguese succession crisis of 1580. Eventually, Portugal joined with Habsburg Spain for 60 years in what was called the Iberian Union. Portugal became independent again when John IV took back the throne.
Contents
Early Life and Church Career
Henry was born in Lisbon, Portugal. He was the fifth son of King Manuel I and Maria of Aragon.
Becoming a Cardinal
Since Henry was a younger son, he was not expected to become king. Instead, he joined the Church. This helped Portugal have more influence within the Catholic Church. At that time, Spain had a lot of power in the Church.
Henry quickly moved up in the Church. He became an Archbishop of Braga and then Archbishop of Évora. He also became the Grand Inquisitor, a very important Church role. In 1545, he was made a cardinal. From 1564 to 1570, he was the Archbishop of Lisbon. Henry worked hard to bring the Jesuits to Portugal. He wanted them to help spread the faith in Portugal's colonies.
| Styles of Henry of Portugal |
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| Reference style | His Royal Highness |
| Spoken style | Your Royal Highness |
| Religious style | His Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal-King |
Henry's Time as King
Henry first served as a regent for his great-nephew, King Sebastian. A regent is someone who rules for a king or queen who is too young or unable to rule. Henry took over from Sebastian's grandmother, Queen Catherine, in 1562.
Unexpected King
King Sebastian died in 1578 during a terrible battle called the Battle of Alcácer Quibir. He died without any children to take his place. So, the elderly Cardinal Henry became king. He was proclaimed king soon after Sebastian's death.
Henry wanted to be released from his Church promises. He hoped to marry and have children. This would have allowed the House of Aviz family to continue ruling Portugal. However, Pope Gregory XIII did not agree to his request. The Pope did not want to upset Philip II of Spain, who was a very powerful king.
Death and Succession Problem
The Cardinal-King died on his 68th birthday, January 31, 1580. He died at the Royal Palace of Almeirim. Henry had not chosen anyone to be the next king. He only left a group of people to manage the kingdom.
One of the closest people who could claim the throne was King Philip II of Spain. In November 1580, Philip II sent his army, led by the Duke of Alba, to take Portugal by force. Lisbon quickly fell to the Spanish army. Philip II was then chosen as king of Portugal in 1581. This happened at a meeting called the Portuguese Cortes in Tomar. The agreement was that Portugal and its lands overseas would not become Spanish provinces.
See also
In Spanish: Enrique I de Portugal para niños
- Struggle for the throne of Portugal
- War of the Portuguese Succession
- Descendants of Manuel I of Portugal
