Why did Henry VIII seek a divorce from Catherine of Aragon?

Henry VIII sought a divorce from Catherine of Aragon primarily because he wanted a male heir. At that time, the Tudor dynasty was under pressure to ensure a stable succession, as ruling without a strong heir could lead to instability and claims to the throne by other factions. Catherine had provided Henry with a daughter, Mary, but failed to produce a surviving male heir after several pregnancies.

Henry believed that a son was crucial not only for the continuation of his line but also for the security of England's future. His desperation for a male heir drove him to seek an annulment of his marriage. This quest ultimately led to significant political and religious changes in England, including the break from the Catholic Church, as the Pope refused to grant the annulment.

The other options, while they may contain elements of truth regarding Henry's feelings and political maneuvers, do not address the central motivation behind his initial request for a divorce. The desire for a male heir was the pivotal factor that influenced his actions and decisions during this period.