This conflict was also known as the Investiture Controversy. This was the most significant conflict between secular and religious powers in medieval Europe. It commenced as an argument in the 11th century concerning the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII. The question in this conflict was who would govern the appointments of bishops or also known as investitures. The major significance of this controversy was it increased the degree of conflict between the church and state. Church officials were very vital and influential people and secular rulers wanted to control them. Because of this, secular rulers want to be the one who will appoint them. King Henry IV tried to appoint the bishop of Milan in the year of 1075. This infuriated Pope Gregory VII. The Pope wanted to hold on to the power to appoint bishops to keep the power for the church and away from those leaders. The years passed by, Gregory excommunicated Henry, knowing this could weaken his hold on power, begged pardon and a negotiation was reached.
