Henry VI immediately confirmed the election and was personally present for Gardolf's priestly ordination and episcopal consecration.
In early 1202, Innocent sent Cardinal Guy Paré to Germany as his legate to bring the German church over to Otto's side.
Gardolf received permission from the legate to take his case to Rome in person, which would cause him to miss the cardinal's upcoming synod at Corbie.
On 21 August 1201, he died of a fever at the house of Augustinian canons in Kaltenborn shortly after setting out for Rome.
Conrad of Krosigk, his kinsman, led the funeral cortege from Kaltenborn to the cathedral, where he was interred.