The clash between the US president and the Pope is the first for America, but not for the Vatican and Western history. A thousand years ago, by repenting, a holy emperor re-established his clout. Is there an old lesson for the modern emperors?

US culture was born largely Christian, and in opposition to the Pope. Still, things have changed greatly in the United States and the world in the 250 years since the proclamation of independence from Anglican England. The United States looks to the world not only as its home turf, and so does the Pope. The recent friction between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo is a global event that could have significant domestic and international consequences. History could help.

In 1077, 277 years after Charlemagne had been proclaimed Holy Roman Emperor in Rome by Pope Leo III, his successor, Henry IV, had been excommunicated. At Christmas, facing a revolt by his princes, Henry made his way to Canossa, near Rome, and waited for three nights in the snow, a penitent before Pope Gregory VII.

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As the first round of negotiations between the US and Iran failed, Chinese interests may loom larger, and Tehran may need a deal with America more than ever.

The Iran of the ayatollahs has institutional and strategic depth. The institutional depth was evident after the attack in mid-June of last year. The regime did not collapse. There were very widespread protests, but in the end they were suppressed with bloodshed, without bringing down the regime.

This proves that the system is far more complex and resilient than, for example, Russia’s. Iran managed to negotiate a ceasefire last year, leaving the country’s government essentially intact. In Russia, President Vladimir Putin probably cannot negotiate a ceasefire because he fears he would be unable to maintain his power. So the war goes on.

Today, despite the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iran has continued fighting for over a month without yielding. Indeed, probably out of desperation and feeling cornered, it used its ultimate strategic weapon: the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

There is also strategic depth..