John Fisher was born in 1469 and rose to become Bishop of Rochester and one of the leading theologians and churchmen of his generation in England, serving as chancellor of the University of Cambridge and tutoring members of the royal family. He was widely respected across Europe for his learning and his personal austerity.
When Henry VIII sought an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon and moved to establish royal supremacy over the Church in England, Fisher was one of the few bishops to publicly oppose the king, defending both the queen's marriage and papal authority. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London, created a cardinal by Pope Paul III while imprisoned — a move that reportedly angered Henry further — and was beheaded in 1535, shortly before his friend Thomas More.
Saint John Fisher
Bishop and Martyr
The Bishop of Rochester and a respected theologian, executed by Henry VIII the same year as his friend Thomas More for the same refusal.
- Born
- 1469
- Died
- 1535
- Birthplace
- Beverley, England
- Died in
- London, England
- Country
- England
- Canonised
- 1935-05-19
- Century
- 16th century
Why People Pray to Saint John Fisher
Saint John Fisher is invoked by bishops, theologians, and scholars, and by anyone called to hold firm to conviction under pressure from those in power.
