Henry was excommunicated on February 22, 1076.
Pope Gregory VII
Henry IV of Germany told him to resign. In exchange, Gregory excommunicated Henry and remained as pope.
Emperor Henry VI was excommunicated by Pope Celestine III.
During the 11th century, the Holy Roman Emperor was Henry IV of Germany. He had an ongoing power struggle with the Pope, Gregory VII. As punishment for his defiance, Henry was twice excommunicated from the Church.
Pope Gregory excommunicated King Henry IV while Henry declared the pope deposed. Most of the people seemed to support the actions of the pope and not those of Henry.
Henry lV violated the pope's orders.
Henry lV violated the pope's orders.
Roman Catholic AnswerThe issue was lay investiture, where the Emperor was filling the vacant sees of Bishops. Pope Gregory VII removed this power, when Henry refused to go along with him, Pope Gregory excommunicated him and all the bishops that he appointed it. However, Henry immediately submitted so the Holy Father had to reinstate him and give him penance.
Pope Gregory excommunicated King Henry IV while Henry declared the pope deposed. Most of the people seemed to support the actions of the pope and not those of Henry.
An argument went on between Gregory and Henry. This argument was on whether Henry or Gregory should choose the next Bishop. Gregory got rejected by the Roman's on whether he should pick the next Bishop because of Henry. So Gregory "Excommunicated" Henry. Henry then traveled to Italy to apologize to Gregory. Before Gregory forgave him Henry stood out in the snow for three days out side of Gregory's room.
. Emperor Henry IV
Henry IV became Holy Roman Emperor in 1070 A.D., and Hildebrand became Pope Gregory VII in 1073 A.D., he forbade lay investiture in 1075 A.D.. A synod at Worms attempted to depose the Pope in 1076 A.D. and the Pope excommunicated Henry and the Bishops later that same year. In 1077 A.D., Henry said he was sorry and submitted to ecclesiastical penance.