 Prompted by Bertrand, on 1 March 1079, Pope Gregory VII wrote to the people and clergy of Arles, asking them to choose a new, "suitable" bishop.However, the people, the clergy, the Baux, the Porcelet, and Count Raymond of Saint-Gilles supported Aicard.The city declared against the papal demand at the Council of Avignon in 1080 and refused entry to Ghibbelin of Arles, the new papal appointee, who had the support of the count as well.