Henry Floyd (Jesuit)

Henry Floyd (1563-1641) was an English Jesuit priest. He is primarily known for his involvement in controversies surrounding the Oath of Allegiance demanded of English Catholics by King James I, and his prolific writings, often published under pseudonyms, defending the papal authority and the rights of Catholics in England.

Born in Cambridgeshire, England, Floyd converted to Catholicism and travelled to the continent to join the Society of Jesus. He served in various roles, including as a professor of theology at the English College in Rome. He returned to England as a missionary priest, undertaking his ministry in secret due to the anti-Catholic laws then in effect.

Floyd's writings engaged with the central political and religious questions of his time. He argued against the Oath of Allegiance, which required Catholics to swear loyalty to the King, a loyalty that many felt conflicted with their ultimate allegiance to the Pope. His works addressed the complex issues of divided loyalties, religious toleration, and the relationship between spiritual and temporal power. He defended the supremacy of the Pope in spiritual matters and criticized the perceived encroachment of the English crown on religious affairs.

Floyd faced persecution for his beliefs and missionary work, including imprisonment. Despite the dangers, he continued to write and minister to the Catholic community in England, contributing significantly to the intellectual debates surrounding religious freedom and papal authority during the early 17th century. He died in England in 1641.

His most notable works included treatises defending the Pope's deposing power and responding to theological arguments made by Protestant scholars. His writing often took a polemical tone, reflecting the intense religious and political climate of the time. Although he published under various aliases, his authorship has been attributed through careful textual analysis and historical research. His works provide valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of English Catholics living under penal laws.