The Investiture Conflict or Investiture Controversy began with Henry IV Emperor of Europe and Pope Gregory VII over power. Pope Gregory VII took Henry IV power to appoint religious officials. Henry IV did not agree with this, which caused a further separation from church and state. Henry IV decided to take his allegiance from Pope Gregory VII. They dethroned each other, one from being King and the other from being pope. Neither one felt that the other deserved total power. Henry IV wanted to dethrone Pope Gregory VII after finding out his real last name, Hildebrand. He was not considered royalty or believed to be of noble descent. This is why Henry IV did not feel he had the right to be pope. After this Pope Gregory VII excommunicated Henry
