Editing Pope Damasus II (section)

==Arrival in Italy==
During the envoys’ absence, imperial authority in Rome became virtually extinguished as the [[Tusculan]] faction reasserted its power. A former pope, [[Benedict IX]], residing at [[Tusculum]], had been watching the situation in Rome intently, and had decided that now was his opportunity to reclaim the papal throne. He approached the Margrave [[Boniface III of Tuscany]] for help, and Boniface, who did not like the emperor, was easily convinced to help anyone who would disrupt Henry's authority. After Benedict had used his extensive supply of gold to gain a large number of followers, the margrave's influence enabled him to occupy the papal throne for over eight months, from 8 November 1047 until 17 July 1048.<ref>Gregorovius, pp. 69–72.</ref>

In the meantime, Henry was marching down towards Italy with Poppo, accompanying him at least as far as [[Ulm]], where they were in residence on 25 January 1048.<ref>Steindorff II, p. 35. Mann, p. 288. Jaffe, p. 529.</ref> Here it came to light that the papal [[exchequer]] was close to bankrupt, and so Poppo was allowed to retain the revenues of his [[episcopal see|see]]. In addition, a deed was drawn up on 25 January 1048 that granted Poppo an important forest in the [[Puster valley|valley of Puster]], some 75&nbsp;km east of Brixen.<ref>{{cite book|author=Wiguleus Hund|title=Metropolis Salisburgensis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dAdDAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA472|volume=Tomus primus|year=1620|publisher=Bergian|location=Monachii|language=Latin|page=472}}</ref> Having done this, and unable to leave Germany in case there might be an uprising during his absence, Henry III directed Margrave Boniface of Tuscany to conduct the pope-designate to Rome in person, and in the emperor's name to arrange for the enthroning of the new pope.<ref>Gregorovius, pp. 72–73, from the "Annales Romani", p. 469.</ref>

Given his role in the usurpation by Benedict IX, and his attitude towards Henry III, it is unsurprising that Boniface at first refused, advising Poppo when he entered Tuscany, "I cannot go to Rome with you. The Romans have again installed Benedict, and he has won over the whole city to his cause. Besides, I am now an old man." Having nowhere to turn, and unable to proceed, Poppo had no choice but to turn around and return to Germany, where he informed Henry of what had transpired.<ref>Mann, p. 289, paraphrasing the "Annales Romani", p. 469.</ref>