Thomas Wolsey was an English statesman and cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church during the early 16th century. He served as the chief advisor to King Henry VIII and held various influential positions, including Lord Chancellor. Wolsey was known for his diplomatic skills and his efforts to maintain peace in Europe. However, his failure to secure an annulment of Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon led to his downfall. He was eventually charged with treason and died while awaiting trial. Wolsey is remembered as a key figure in the political and religious upheaval of the English Reformation.