What was the papal interdict on England during King John’s reign?

The papal interdict on England during the reign of King John was a severe ecclesiastical censure imposed by Pope Innocent III in March 1208.12

The conflict arose after King John refused to accept the Pope’s appointment of Stephen Langton as the archbishop of Canterbury. In response to John’s refusal and his seizure of church revenues, the Pope placed the entire kingdom under an interdict, which effectively suspended most public religious services and sacraments across England.12

The situation escalated in November 1209 when the Pope also excommunicated the King. John maintained his defiance for several years, profiting significantly by seizing the assets of vacant sees and abbeys. However, facing the threat of deposition and a potential invasion by Philip II, John eventually submitted to the Pope’s terms in 1213. He was absolved of excommunication in July 1213, and the interdict was officially relaxed one year later.12