* Political alliance: Catherine was the daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. Marrying her would strengthen Henry's ties with Spain and help to secure his position on the English throne.
* Inheritance: Catherine was also a potential heiress to the Spanish throne. If her brother Prince John died without any children, she could become Queen of Spain. This would have given Henry a claim to the Spanish throne, which would have made him one of the most powerful rulers in Europe.
* Love: Some historians believe that Henry may have genuinely loved Catherine. She was well-educated, intelligent, and beautiful, and Henry was attracted to her.
Ultimately, Henry's decision to marry Catherine was a complex one that was based on a variety of factors. Political considerations were certainly important, but so was personal attraction.