In 1053, Pope Leo IX declared Grado to be the true patriarchate, a Nova Aquileia and caput et metropolis of the Province of Venetia et Histria.
He did, however, have the friendship of Henry III, Holy Roman Emperor, who even confirmed the false diploma.
Gotebald and the emperor put pressure on Pope Victor II to reverse the decision of Leo, but to no avail.
On his deathbed (1056), the emperor called on Gotebald, Gebhard III of Regensburg, and the pope to determine the regency for his young son Henry IV.
Gotebald traveled to Germany in the years that followed and was confirmed as patriarch with supremacy over Grado by Henry IV.