Why did Henry VIII take over the catholic church?

Nothing, at least not immediately. When he came to the throne at the age of seventeen he was very much in love with Katherine of Aragon--who was devoutly Catholic. However, as she failed to produce a healthy, living son, Henry wanted a divorce from her. This was made on the grounds that she was his brother's widow--which was forbidden by The Bible. However, the pope had given a dispensation, and failed to allow the annulment. Henry (prompted by his passionate love for Anne Boleyn), declared himself protestant and head of the church of England.

Henry VIII started the English Reformation. He ended it, too. Though many external factors influenced this decision, he was still the head of it all. The one with all the power