Cooperation & Conflict: The
Relationship between the
Papacy and Medieval
European Monarchs
7 th Grade World History

The Pope Leo III Crowns
Charlemagne in 800 C.E.

The Pope Crowns
Charlemagne because…
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He was a devout Christian
He united much of the old
Roman Empire in Europe
He was a brilliant military leader
He helped the pope put down a rebellion in Italy
By crowning Charlemagne, the
Pope is asserting papal authority

Charlemagne ’ s main achievements…
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Unified much of Europe
Because of his devotion to the
Christian faith…
– He strengthened the Church
– He increased education and learning throughout Europe so that people could read the Bible.

Investiture Controversy
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The Players: Pope Gregory
VII and King Henry IV
The Setting: Medieval
Europe, the pope needs support from the monarchy, the monarchy needs support from the pope, BOTH monarchy and pope appoints church officials

Pope Gregory VII

Investiture Controversy
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The Conflict: In 1075, Pope Gregory
VII officially asserted that the papal power is the sole universal power and
ONLY the papacy could select church officials, like the bishops. King Henry
IV continued to appoint church officials like bishops.

King Henry IV

Pope Gregory ’ s Reaction
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He excommunicated Henry IV
– Excommunicate means to remove someone from the church
– Henry was removed from the church and deposed as the German king

Henry IV apologizes…
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Henry IV asks Pope Gregory VII for forgiveness by standing barefoot in the snow for three days outside where the Pope was staying.
Pope Gregory VII had to forgive him and Henry IV became emperor again.
Henry IV later invaded Rome and Pope
Gregory VII fled

The apology

The Lasting Effect…
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In 1122 church leaders & nobles agreed to have the pope select church officials at the Concordat of Worms
The pope establishes his dominance and power over the monarchy temporarily
The continued conflict will eventually lead to a split between monarchy and papacy

Reflection Quick Write
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Pretend you are
Henry IV, write one paragraph (at least
5 sentences) explaining your decision to apologize to Pope
Gregory VII. Would you really mean it?
How far would you go to convince the pope
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Pretend you are
Pope Gregory VII, write one paragraph (at least
5 sentences) explaining your decision to take
Henry IV back and accept his apology.
Do you really believe him? Would you trust him?