In reaction, the chapter sent two members to Rome ahead of Ælfric and tried to secure the archbishopric for either of the monks. Pope Gregory V, however, would not appoint a candidate without royal permission, which neither of the monks had.
Following this development, the chapter dispatched two representatives to Rome before Ælfric arrived. They sought to nominate one of the monks for the archbishopric, but Pope Gregory V refused to appoint a successor without royal approval, as neither monk had such authorization.