Pope Gregory VII

Pope Gregory VII, who reigned from 1073 to 1085, was a pivotal figure in the Middle Ages known for his efforts to reform the Catholic Church. He advocated for the independence of the Church from secular rulers, emphasizing that only the pope should appoint bishops and manage church affairs. This led to significant conflicts, most notably with Emperor Henry IV during the Investiture Controversy, where they clashed over the authority to appoint church leaders. Gregory's reforms helped shape the relationship between church and state in Europe, reinforcing the spiritual authority of the papacy that had lasting impacts on Christianity.