Career
In his early years as archbishop he was assisted by Anselm of Havelberg. He supported Friedrich von Staufen as successor to Konrad III of Germany. At the time of the Second Crusade, he tried to prevent a repetition of the 1096 violence against the Jews of Mainz.
He called in Bernard of Clairvaux, to counter inflammatory preaching by a monk, Radulphe.
He took part in the Wendish Crusade of 1147. He was a supporter and correspondent of Hildegard of Bingen.
He consecrated the church of her convent at Rupertsberg in 1152. He was archchancellor of Germany, ex officio, but also of Burgundy at the end of his life.