Robert the Pious becomes a Monk

Okay, in 1002, Robert the Pious, King of France, was excommunicated by the pope for marrying his cousin (I think). I'm not sure what effect this had on him OTL, but if, say, he devotes the rest of his life to becoming a good Catholic again and abdicates to join a monastery, what would happen next?

Otto-William of Burgundy is the closest heir (Robert had no kids), so I'm pretty sure that he'd be the one to technically inherit the throne. How will the bigger, stronger French duchies take this? What happens to Brittany, Normandy, and Burgundy?
 
I'm no expert in catholic religion during this time period, but can he join a monastery, after all he is excommunicated. The Monastery is part of the Catholic church, how can he join if he's excommunicated.
 
I'm no expert in catholic religion during this time period, but can he join a monastery, after all he is excommunicated. The Monastery is part of the Catholic church, how can he join if he's excommunicated.

He repents, asks for forgiveness, receives absolution, and as penance he pledges his life to God's service as a monk.
 
I'm no expert in catholic religion during this time period, but can he join a monastery, after all he is excommunicated. The Monastery is part of the Catholic church, how can he join if he's excommunicated.

He is king, after all. If he wanted to become a monk, who were the monks to argue? The pope would be pissed, but there's not much he can do about it, reasonably.

Anyway, if the Burgundian Duke Otto William is to take the throne of France, could we see a Burgundian dominated France? Or a union between Burgundy and France?
 
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