This week in Christian history: Pope Francis addresses Congress, Johann Agricola dies

Investiture Controversy ends – Sept. 23, 1122

This week marks the anniversary of when Holy Roman Emperor Henry V agreed to have the Catholic Church appoint bishops, thus ending a debate known as the Investiture Controversy.

Beginning with Emperor Henry V’s father, a conflict had arisen between the empire and the papacy over which entity had the authority to appoint clergy to various church offices.

With the Concordat of Worms, Henry V agreed to have bishops and other church positions determined by clergy, while he retained the right to decide whenever an election was disputed.

“I, Henry, … for the healing of my soul, do remit to God, and to the holy apostles of God, Peter and Paul, and to the holy catholic church, all investiture through ring and staff; and do grant that in all the churches that are in my kingdom or empire there may be canonical election and free consecration,” the monarch vowed.

“All the possessions and regalia of St. Peter which, from the beginning of this discord unto this day, whether in the time of my father or also in mine, have been abstracted, and which I hold: I restore to that same holy Roman church. As to those things, moreover, which I do not hold, I will faithfully aid in their restoration.”