Lay Investiture

Lay investiture was a practice in medieval Europe where secular leaders, rather than church officials, appointed bishops and abbots, giving them authority and symbols of office. This led to conflicts between the Church and monarchy, particularly over who held ultimate power in appointing church leaders. The controversy peaked during the 11th century, notably with Pope Gregory VII and King Henry IV, culminating in the Investiture Controversy. It highlighted the struggle between secular authority and religious influence, ultimately shaping the relationship between church and state in Europe. The practice was largely resolved in favor of church authority by the Concordat of Worms in 1122.