Richard Pate (bishop) facts for kids

Richard Pate (who was also known as Pates or Patys) was an important English Roman Catholic leader. He lived a long time ago, from the 1500s until 1565, and was a bishop.

Richard Pate's Early Life and Education

Richard Pate was born in Oxfordshire, a county in England. He was the nephew of another important church leader, John Longland.

He went to Corpus Christi College, Oxford, a famous university, and earned his first degree in 1523. Later, he continued his studies in Bruges, a city in Belgium, where he learned from a well-known scholar named Juan Luis Vives. He then earned his master's degree in Paris, France.

Pate's Career as a Church Leader and Diplomat

Richard Pate held several important positions in the church. In 1527, he became an Archdeacon of Winchester, which is a senior church official. The next year, in 1528, he became the Archdeacon of Lincoln.

He also worked for the King of England as an ambassador. An ambassador is someone who represents their country in another country. In 1533, he was sent to work with Emperor Charles V, a very powerful ruler in Europe.

Challenges as an Ambassador

In 1537, Richard Pate lost his job as an ambassador. This happened because he supported Princess Mary, who was the daughter of King Henry VIII. At the time, there were disagreements about whether Princess Mary was the rightful heir to the throne. However, he was given his job back in 1540.

Later in 1540, Richard Pate was told to come back to England. But he chose not to return. Instead, he stayed with Emperor Charles V and traveled to Germany and then to Rome.

Becoming the Bishop of Worcester

From the point of view of the Catholic Church, Richard Pate became the Bishop of Worcester in 1541. This happened after the previous bishop, Girolamo Ghinucci, died. The Pope, Pope Paul III, officially appointed him to this role.

Because he did not return to England when summoned, the English government passed a special law against him in 1542. This law was called an act of attainder, which meant he lost his rights and property.

Role in the Council of Trent

Richard Pate attended important meetings of the Council of Trent. This was a major meeting of Catholic leaders that took place over many years. He was present at sessions in 1547, 1549, and 1551.

Return to England and Later Exile

Richard Pate remained in exile, meaning he lived outside England, until Mary I became Queen. When she took the throne, he was able to return. In 1554, he was officially made a bishop in England, and the special law against him was removed.

However, his time back in England was short. In 1559, when Elizabeth I became Queen, Richard Pate was removed from his position as bishop. He was then put in prison in the Tower of London. After his release, he went into exile again. He died in 1565 in Leuven, a city in Belgium.