Hildebrand of Sovana

Hildebrand of Sovana, who later became Pope Gregory VII, was a significant figure in the 11th century known for his efforts to reform the Catholic Church. He advocated for the independence of the Church from secular rulers and promoted the idea that the Pope held supreme authority. His reforms aimed to eliminate corruption and improve the moral standards of the clergy. Hildebrand's most notable confrontation was with Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV, which highlighted the struggles between church and state. His legacy is marked by the principle of papal supremacy, impacting the Church's role in European politics for centuries.