Question

For much of the Middle Ages, both popes and kings claimed the authority to appoint high church officials. In 1076, Pope Gregory VII ordered kings and princes not to appoint any church officials. Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV defied this order, and Pope Gregory VII excommunicated him and also removed him from his throne.
How was the incident described above resolved?
A.
Henry IV appeared before Pope Gregory VII to ask for his forgiveness.
B.
Gregory VII was forced to allow Henry IV's appointments to the church.
C.
Henry IV and Gregory VII were able to reach a compromise on the issue.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is A. Henry IV appeared before Pope Gregory VII to ask for his forgiveness.

Explanation:

In the 10th century, the emperor had gradually acquired a say in the appointment of bishops in the Holy Roman Empire. This was not very surprising, because the emperor often entrusted lordship, political and even military tasks to the bishops.

The battle really broke out in 1075 between Emperor Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII. On the one hand, the Pope interfered in the Saxon wars, undermining royal authority, and on the other, the appointment of a bishop of Milan by Henry IV was the last straw.

The king organized a meeting of bishops at which Pope Gregory VII was deposed. In response, Gregory excommunicated the king, as well as his allies. This put Henry in a difficult position, because a number of German bishops turned against him and some princes threatened to do the same. Henry then made a penance to Canossa in 1077, where he showed himself willing to submit to the Pope, who finally pardoned him.