The investiture controversy was the question of whether laymen or the papacy should confer the spiritual symbols of office on a new bishop.

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The investiture controversy was a conflict between church and state in medieval Europe over the ability to appoint local church officials such as bishops, with the central issue being whether laymen (secular leaders) or the papacy (church leaders) should have the authority to confer the symbols of spiritual office.

The Investiture Controversy Was the Question of Whether Laymen or the Papacy