On this day 986 years ago, June 4, 1039 (the tenth day of the fifth lunar month), Henry III became Emperor of Germany. Henry III (October 28, 1017 - October 5, 1056), he was the most powerful monarch of the Franconian dynasty. King of the Roman people (reigned June 4, 1039 - 1056), Holy Roman Emperor (crowned in 1046). The emperor's control over the pope reached its peak during the reign of Henry III. Henry III went to Italy in 1046 and deposed Pope Gregory VI, who opposed him. Clement II of Germany was elected as the new pope and crowned Henry III. He has since deposed popes several times. Henry III has always held the power of appointment and removal of bishops in Germany. However, Henry III supported the Cluny movement of the Church, which laid the foundation for the later expansion of papal power.