Pope Gregory II

Pope Gregory II was the leader of the Roman Catholic Church from 715 to 731 AD. He is best known for his strong opposition to the use of religious images, known as iconoclasm, which was a significant issue during his papacy. Gregory II emphasized the value of Church traditions and the authority of Rome. He also played a pivotal role in strengthening the papacy's influence, especially in the face of political pressures from the Byzantine Empire. His efforts helped establish the Church's autonomy and laid groundwork for future conflicts over religious images and authority within Christianity.