Relations with the Popes (9-1 new AQA GCSEs)

• When William became king, the Pope was Alexander II
• William and Alexander had a close relationship
• This is reflected when Alexander gave William the papal banner to bless his war
• They both wanted to reform the church, as they thought the bishops were incompetent, corrupt and untrustworthy
• The next pope was Gregory VII who wanted direct control and thought that the church should have more authority
• He also wanted William to swear an oath of fealty to him, however, William refused, as this wasn't a tradition for kings and popes

Key conflict under Rufus: appointing church leaders:

• Gregory VII wanted to make his own appointments
• This brought him into conflict with many rulers in England and he was forced out of office
• Eventually, his successor - Pope Urban II - agreed not to interfere in English appointments while Rufus was king
• But the relationship was hostile

Key conflicts: lay investitures and homage:

• Bishops depended on kings rather than the pope
• The church opposed the idea of churchmen paying homage to secular rulers
• Many bishops were also the kings' tenant-in-chief and if they refused to pay homage, this would damage the king's authority
• Archbishop Anselm refused to pay homage. He was exiled in 1103
• This led to threats to excommunicate Henry, but an agreement was made in 1107
• Henry gave up his right to invest bishops but could still receive homage from them