At the close of 1517 he procured from the Pope the Cardinal's appointment as Legate _a latere_ in the realm.

Such a Legate was entrusted with powers almost as full as those of the Pope himself; his jurisdiction extended over every bishop and priest, it overrode every privilege or exemption of abbey or cell, while his court superseded that of Rome as the final court of ecclesiastical appeal for the realm.

Already wielding the full powers of secular justice in his capacity of Chancellor and of president of the royal Council, Wolsey wielded the full power of spiritual justice in his capacity of Legate.

His elevation was no mere freak of royal favour; it was the result of a distinct policy.

The moment had come when the Monarchy was to gather up all government into the personal grasp of the king.