Why did pope Gregory and Henry the fourth come into conflict?

Answer 1

Pope Gregory VII and Henry IV came into conflict during the Investiture Controversy in the late 11th century. At that time, the Catholic Church was struggling to exert control over its clergy and land holdings. The controversy began when Henry IV, the Holy Roman Emperor, claimed the right to appoint bishops and other high-ranking church officials. Pope Gregory refused and excommunicated Henry, which meant he was no longer allowed to participate in church sacraments or services. Henry responded by attempting to remove and replace the pope with his own preferred candidate. The conflict continued for several years until Henry eventually submitted to the pope's authority. The Investiture Controversy became a significant historical event because it established the primacy of the pope in matters of the church over secular rulers.