Page "Pope Gregory VII" Paragraph 23

Thirty years before, Henry III had deposed three claimants to the papacy, and thereby rendered an acknowledged service to the Church.

When Henry IV tried to copy this procedure he was less successful, as he lacked the support of the people.

In Germany there was a rapid and general feeling in favor of Gregory, and the princes took the opportunity to carry out their anti-regal policy under the cloak of respect for the papal decision.

When at Whitsun the king proposed to discuss the measures to be taken against Gregory in a council of his nobles, only a few made their appearance ; the Saxons snatched at the golden opportunity for renewing their rebellion, and the anti-royalist party grew in strength from month to month.