Henry was a member of the House of Welf and was therefore entitled to use the title Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg.

However, the Pope had in the meantime appointed Henry III of Virneburg as the new Archbishop of Mainz, so that the confirmation by Baldwin lacked validity.

Moreover, the previous bishop, Otto II had before his death handed over the reins of his bishopric to the Pope, so that the election by the cathedral chapter was of dubious validity.

To add to the confusion, Pope John XXII had appointed Count Eric of Schaumburg and Holstein as the new bishop of Hildesheim.

Neither side controlled Dammstadt, a new settlement for Flemish immigrants, just outside the city of Hildesheim.

Throughout his pontificate, Henry was supported by a group of noble rulers, who at different times appear as his allies or his staff.

He enfeoffed them as a reward, and they played an important role in the complex web of his relations.

Pope Clement VI later confirmed all official act Henry had done during his excommunication.