Thomas More (1478 – 1535) was an English statesman, lawyer, and Renaissance humanist best known for his book Utopia (1516), which described an ideal society. He served as Lord Chancellor under Henry VIII but was executed for refusing to acknowledge the king as the head of the Church of England, making him a martyr for religious conscience.
Born in London, More studied at Oxford before pursuing law. Deeply influenced by humanist thought, he became a trusted advisor to Henry VIII, serving in various governmental roles before becoming Lord Chancellor in 1529. He strongly opposed the Protestant Reformation, particularly Martin Luther’s teachings, and remained a staunch defender of Catholic doctrine.
More’s downfall came when he refused to support Henry’s annulment from Catherine of Aragon and the establishment of the Church of England. Convicted of treason, he was beheaded in 1535, reportedly stating “I die the King’s good servant, but God’s first”. In 1935, he was canonized by the Catholic Church, and in 2000, Pope John Paul II named him the patron saint of politicians.
His legacy as a scholar, statesman, and defender of conscience continues to inspire debates on ethics, governance, and religious freedom. His Utopia remains a landmark work in political philosophy, shaping ideas about justice and society.