Otto I became king of Germany in 936 and was crowned emperor by the pope in 962, establishing the Holy Roman Empire. However, German emperors struggled to control their vassals and argued with the pope over appointments of church officials. This power struggle intensified as Pope Gregory VII banned lay investiture, angering King Henry IV who was excommunicated. After making peace, the struggle over lay investiture continued for 50 years until the Concordat of Worms declared the church had power over bishop elections. Emperors like Frederick Barbarossa also tried to control northern Italian cities, resulting in ongoing conflicts with popes.
4. Pope Gregory VII wanted to
separate the church from Kings
Banned lay investiture:
Appointment of bishops by
anyone who is not a member of
the clergy
King Henry IV was upset with the
pope. Insulted the pope
King Henry IV gets
excommunicated
5. Henry was forced to
make peace
The pope lifted the
ban of
excommunication
Henry returns to
Rome with his army
and forces the pope
into exile.
6. The struggle for lay
investiture dragged on
for 50 years
1122 both sides
accepted a treaty
known as the Concordat
of Worms.
This treaty declared
the Church had power
to elect bishops
7. Emperors try to control
Italy and come into conflict
with Popes
Frederick Barbarossa “Red
Beard”, fought to bring
wealthy cities of northern
Italy under his control
Conflicts with popes and
emperors last for many
years
