History: Investiture Controversy

Although German kings frequently appointed high-ranking clergy to important civic positions, Pope Gregory issued a decree, in 1075, which banned the practice. King Henry IV, 1056- 1106 , who was no stranger to the practice, fiercely opposed the decree since his Investiture of the bishop of Milan, the second most important position in the clergy was essential to his authority in northern Italy. Gregory threatened the king with excommunication, and the king called a meeting of German bishops to depose the pope. Henry was finally excommunicated giving the fickle nobility opportunity to call his rule into question. Henry finally succumbed and plead for absolution. Gregory granted it, and the issue was later resolved by the Concordat of Worms in 1122.