Henry VI 's rejection of the decree lead to his excommunication and a ducal revolt ; eventually Henry received absolution after dramatic public penance barefoot in Alpine snow and cloaked in a hairshirt ( see Walk to Canossa ) , though the revolt and conflict of investiture continued . Henry IV 's rejection of the decree lead to his excommunication and a ducal revolt ; eventually Henry received absolution after dramatic public penance barefoot in Alpine snow and cloaked in a hairshirt ( see Walk to Canossa ) , though the revolt and conflict of investiture continued .