Henry IV favored lay investiture because it allowed secular leaders to appoint bishops and abbots, thereby strengthening his control over the Church and ensuring that these religious figures were loyal to the crown. This practice helped him consolidate power and resources within his realm, as Church officials often held significant political and economic influence. Additionally, by asserting control over the appointment of clergy, Henry sought to counteract the growing power of the papacy, which he viewed as a threat to his authority.
The issue lay investiture was considered so important by both German emperors and popes because Henry IV believed that he had the right to appoint bishops of the German church but Pope Gregory VII angrily opposed lay investiture and responded to the emperor's attempt to name bishops by excommunicating Henry IV.
The issue of lay investiture was considered so important by both German emperors and popes because Henry IV believed that he had the right to appoint bishops of the German church but Pope Gregory VII angrily opposed lay investiture and responded to the emperor's attempt to name bishops by excommunicating Henry IV.
Pope Gregory VII, and Henry IV
Pope Gregory II, I think. Then he argued with Henry VI about it.
1075-Lay investiture banned; 1077-Henry IV's journey to Canossa; 1122-The Concordat at Worms compromise on lay investiture; 1176-Battle of Legnano. All were power struggles because the duties and privileges of Church and state were changing during this time.
He is most famous for the role he played in the Investiture Controversy with Henry IV.
The politico-religious struggle between Gregory VII and Henry IV is known as the Investiture Contest (or sometimes the Investiture Controversy) but was not limited solely to Henry and Gregory - other Popes/ecclesiastical figures and aristocrats were involved - nor was it even limited to their lifetimes. The Investiture Contest was an 11th-12th century development, and part of what is now often referred to as the Gregorian Reforms. Hope that helps!
Emperor Henry IV called a meeting with the bishops and with their approval he sent Pope Gregory VII a letter ordering him to step down. Gregory sent a letter back excommunicating Henry IV. Henry asked for forgiveness to no avail. In January 1077, Henry went to Canossa where Gregory was visiting still trying to get forgiveness. After making Henry wait three days out in the snow, Pope Gregory finally ended his excommunication.
the weakening and eventual break up of Germany. <----- Study Island
Henry, as the king, thought that he should appoint bishops in his kingdom. The pope felt that only the pope could appoint bishops. It is known as the investiture controversy.
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.
In the course of the Investiture Controversy, Henry IV had be excommunicated. In order to have the ban lifted, he went to see the Pope at Canossa to do penance. He stood in the snow three days, begging to be forgiven. Popular legend has him doing this barefoot. He was forgiven, but required to meet certain conditions, which he violated, and the problems continued. There is a link below to an article on the Investiture Controversy.