The force Lothair had taken with him into Italy in 1132 was not strong, due to his leaving troops in Germany to prevent the Hohenstaufen from revolting.

While he had carefully avoided any cities that are hostile, he had attempted to besiege Milan, which failed due to the small army he had at his disposal.

Consequently, he reaches Rome in 1133, which is mostly held by Anacletus.

As St. Peter's Basilica is closed to them, Innocent instead crowns Lothair as emperor in the Lateran on June 4, 1133.

The emperor continues giving little or no resistance against papal interference with his power; he even ignores a bull by Innocent which states that the emperor's authority derives from him.

He also recognizes papal claims to the Matildine lands (formerly owned by Countess Matilda), in exchange receiving those lands as fiefs.