This week in Christian history: Henry IV gets absolution after standing barefoot in snow; Pope affirms Council of Trent

Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV receives absolution – Jan. 28, 1077

This week marks the anniversary of when Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV received absolution from Pope Gregory VII over the former’s efforts to control the appointment of bishops.

Henry IV attempted to dictate the appointment of bishops in the empire, a move that stirred outrage from secular officials as well as a threat of excommunication from the Catholic Church.

As an act of penance, the emperor traveled to Canossa, Italy, and reportedly stood barefoot in the snow wearing only woolen garments for three days before he was finally given absolution.

“At length his persistent declarations of repentance and the supplications of all who were there with us overcame our reluctance, and we removed the excommunication from him and received him again into the bosom of the holy mother church,” Gregory VII wrote to German princes soon after the act was performed.

“We have not bound ourself to anything, except that we assured the king that he might depend upon us to aid him in everything that looked to his salvation and honor.”

Although the emperor and the pope made amends that day, the two would again be at odds over political matters a few years later.