Emperor Henry IV trekked barefoot through the Alps in winter to meet Pope Gregory VII to have his ex-communication lifted.
Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII
Emperor Henry IV trekked barefoot through the Alps in winter to meet Pope Gregory VII to have his ex-communication lifted.
Only after three days of kneeling in the snow did the Pope agree to take him back into the catholic church.
Henry IV begging forgiveness
He seized the Pope’s authority and appointed bishops at his own will, which led to his ex-communication.
This incident was a turning point in the conflict between royal and religious leaders that was centuries long.
However, the king’s apology didn’t prove to be very sincere as he deposed Pope Gregory VII three years later.
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