How did Sylvester II end the dispute over the archbishopric of Reims?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Sylvester II Sylvester II, detail from the ivory vessel used at the consecration of Otto III, 996; in the Domschatzkammer des Aachener Domes, Aachen, Ger.

Sylvester II ended the long-standing and divisive controversy regarding the archbishopric of Reims by restoring Arnulf to the position.1

The dispute had originated years earlier when King Hugh Capet chose Arnulf as archbishop over Gerbert (the future Pope Sylvester II), despite a previous indication that Gerbert should succeed to the office. After Arnulf betrayed Reims to Duke Charles of Lorraine, a council at Saint-Basle de Verzy had degraded him and elected Gerbert in his place. This election faced significant opposition from the papacy and segments of the clergy, eventually leading Gerbert to leave France for the court of Emperor Otto III. By restoring Arnulf during his own pontificate, Sylvester II finally resolved the conflict.1