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 event, the chapter sent representatives to Rome to try and get one of the monks appointed as the new archbishop. However, Pope Gregory V refused to make the appointment without the king's approval, as neither monk had that authority.