Henry IV begged the pope for forgiveness to legitimize his rule and prevent his empire from collapsing into civil war.
Henry IV begged the pope for forgiveness due to the Investiture Controversy with Pope Gregory VII. This conflict arose when Henry claimed the right to appoint and depose bishops, challenging the pope's authority. By seeking forgiveness, Henry aimed to legitimize his rule and gain the Church's support to prevent his empire from collapsing into civil war. Pope Gregory forgave Henry after a public ceremony of reconciliation, but the Investiture Controversy continued for decades.
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