Hildebrand Proclaimed Pope Gregory VII

Are the churches to be creations of government? Was the clergy selected by kings or by popes? The Investiture Controversy was about these very questions. Pope Gregory forced the issue. Hence, his career was a significant milestone towards the separation of church and state.

How it began in 1073:

“From the funeral procession Hildebrand flew to the pulpit, and with impassioned gestures seemed to be imploring silence. The storm, however, did not cease till one of the cardinals, in the name of the sacred college, declared that they had unanimously elected him whom the people had chosen. Arrayed in scarlet robes, crowned with the papal tiara, Gregory VII ascended the chair of St. Peter."

From Hildebrand’s Papal Triumph  : http://dld.bz/he73Y

Download The Basic History Library (free). ------------->