Hildebrand of Sovana (Pope Gregory VII)

Hildebrand of Sovana, better known as Pope Gregory VII, was a significant figure in the 11th century who reformed the Catholic Church. He is most famous for his efforts to end the practice of simony (the buying and selling of church offices) and to establish the pope's authority over kings and emperors, a stance known as papal supremacy. His conflict with Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV over these issues led to the Investiture Controversy, a pivotal struggle between church and state. Gregory’s reforms shaped the future of the Catholic Church and its role in European politics.