anne was a catholic and under their rules, she needed the church's permission to marry michael who was not a catholic. this permission could be given if michael agreed to allow their future children to be raised as catholics. michael refused to do this, as it was against the laws of romania, and it would make it impossible for him to regain his position as king. the holy see refused to grant permission for the wedding. the two families decided to take their case to the vatican. in early march, the couple's mothers met with pope pius xii who also refused permission for anne to marry michael.