What Holy Roman Emperor was forced to do public penance because of his conflict with Pope Gregory VII over lay investiture of the clergy?

The Holy Roman Emperor who was forced to do public penance due to his conflict with Pope Gregory VII over lay investiture is Henry IV. This conflict was a key event in the investiture controversy that arose in the 11th century. Lay investiture refers to the practice where secular leaders, such as kings or emperors, would appoint bishops or other church officials, which led to significant tensions between the church and state.

Pope Gregory VII believed that the appointment of church officials should be exclusively under the authority of the church, without interference from secular rulers. Henry IV, asserting his own authority, resisted the pope's demands. In retaliation, Gregory VII excommunicated him and declared that his subjects were no longer obligated to obey him, which significantly undermined Henry's power.

Realizing the consequences of his actions, Henry IV sought reconciliation with the pope. He traveled to Canossa in 1077, where he stood barefoot in the snow for three days, begging for forgiveness. This act of penance symbolized his submission to the pope's authority and highlighted the struggle between secular power and religious authority during this period. Henry's willingness to perform this public humiliation demonstrates the significance of the papacy and the clash over lay investiture within the broader