Today In History; Elizabeth I of England Excommunicated

1570: At the end of the 16th century, England was religiously divided and Elizabeth's reign marked by religious tension. She had restored the Anglican Church's status after the Catholic interlude by her elder sister, Mary, now Queen of Scots. Negotiating the succession, Elizabeth demanded that Prince James be brought up in England. Mary Stuart declined, and was consequently imprisoned at Sheffield Castle. Pope Pius V, giving way to his antagonism to Elizabeth, retaliated. He excommunicated her and published a bull which released her subjects from their allegiance.