Synod of Worms

January 24, 1076

Furious at Gregory VII's attempts to dictate episcopal appointments, Henry IV summoned German bishops to Worms, where they declared the pope deposed. Gregory replied within weeks by excommunicating Henry and releasing his subjects from their oaths of allegiance. The Investiture Controversy had become open war. German princes, sensing opportunity, used the excommunication as leverage to extract concessions from their embattled king.