Matilda of Tuscany
Finally, on 28 January, the castle gates were opened for Henry and he was allowed to enter. Contemporary accounts report that he knelt before Pope Gregory and begged his forgiveness. Gregory absolved Henry and invited him back into the Church. That evening, Gregory, Henry, and Matilda of Tuscany shared [[Eucharist|communion]] in the chapel of Sant'Apollonio inside the castle, signaling the official end of Henry's excommunication.