Pope Gregory VII

Pope Gregory VII, also known as Hildebrand of Sovana, was pope from 1073 to 1085 and is best known for his role in the Investiture Controversy, a significant conflict between the papacy and secular monarchs regarding the appointment of bishops. He championed the reform of the Church and asserted the papal authority over secular rulers, famously excommunicating Emperor Henry IV. His reforms laid the groundwork for the development of papal supremacy in Western Christianity.