Question

why did pope gregory and henry iv come into conflict

Answer 1

Pope Gregory VII and Henry IV came into conflict due to their differing views on the relationship between the Church and the state. Pope Gregory VII believed in the concept of the "Gregorian Reform," which sought to establish the supremacy of the Church over secular authorities, particularly in matters of church governance and the appointment of bishops.

Henry IV, on the other hand, believed in the traditional concept of "investiture," in which secular rulers had the right to appoint bishops and other church officials. This conflict came to a head in the Investiture Controversy, which lasted from 1075 to 1122. Henry IV refused to accept the authority of Pope Gregory VII and attempted to appoint his own bishops, leading to his excommunication by the Pope.

Ultimately, the conflict between Pope Gregory VII and Henry IV came down to a struggle for power and authority between the Church and the state. This conflict would have far-reaching implications for the relationship between religion and politics in Europe for centuries to come.