This Holy Roman Emperor began the tradition of the Holy Roman Emperor selecting the new pope, paving the way for the 11th century's Lay Investiture Dispute.
Posts: 5457 | Location: USA | Registered: 06-24-02
YOu are throwing me off with your use of the term Holy Roman Emperor. The term Holy Roman Empire did not exist until 1254 although Charlemagne through Otto I had used the term Imperator Augustus and previous to Charlemagne was simply Holy Empire from 1157. Despite that and knowing how history claimed Charlemagne as the first, I believe the answer is Otto III.