1046 The scandal of Benedict’s act leads to Henry III assembling the Council of Sutri, which deposes the three popes and elects Suidgar bishop of Bamberg, Clement II, to the papal chair. The council gives the emperor the right of nominating future popes, which displeases the Roman clergy and people.
THE AGE OF GREATNESS [1046-1305 A.D.]
A new era is inaugurated for the papacy. The power of the popes begins to overshadow that of the emperors.
1047 Clement summons a council to condemn the all-pervading vice of simony. Death of Clement. Benedict IX seizes the throne and holds it for nine months.
1048 Poppo, bishop of Brixen, Damasus II, appointed pope by the emperor. Benedict flees on his appearance. Damasus dies in less than a month. Hildebrand voices the objections of the Roman clergy as to the power of the emperor to appoint the popes. Bruno, bishop of Toul, Leo IX, is the imperial choice for the next pope.
1049 With the assistance of Hildebrand, Leo plans many reforms, including prohibition of marriage to the clergy, simony, etc. The synods of Rome, Rheims, and Mainz enact reformatory canons. Leo forms the college of cardinals.
1049-1051 Leo visits France and Germany.
1052 Third visit of Leo to Germany to mediate between Henry III and Andrew of Hungary.
1053 Campaign of Leo against the Normans. Capture of Leo at Civitella. Treaty of Hildebrand with Berengar of Tours.
1054 Leo returns to Rome and dies. Hildebrand goes to the emperor as plenipotentiary of the Roman clergy and people.