In the end , Henry IV journeyed to Canossa in northern Italy in 1077 to do penance and to receive absolution from the pope .
More important , the pope forbade ecclesiastical officials under pain of excommunication to support Henry as they had so freely done in the past .
Henry   journeyed to Canossa in northern Italy in 1077 to do penance and to receive absolution from the pope .
More important , the pope forbade ecclesiastical officials under pain of excommunication to support Henry as they had so freely done in the past .