St. Gregory VII

Gregory VII defended the Church's freedom from political control and pursued difficult reforms among clergy during a violent conflict with imperial power.

The story

Hildebrand, the future Pope Gregory VII, was born about 1020 in Tuscany. He was educated in Rome and became closely associated with the movement to reform the Church. He served several popes as adviser, administrator, and papal legate. The reformers opposed simony, the buying and selling of ecclesiastical offices, and sought greater fidelity to clerical discipline. They also resisted the control of episcopal appointments by secular rulers.

Hildebrand was chosen pope by popular acclaim in Rome on April 22, 1073, and took the name Gregory VII. His election was subsequently confirmed according to the procedures then in force. He was consecrated bishop and enthroned on June 30. Gregory pursued reform through councils, letters, and papal legates. He condemned simony and enforced the discipline of clerical continence. He also challenged lay investiture, by which kings and nobles presented bishops with the symbols of spiritual office.

The resulting struggle with King Henry IV of Germany became the defining conflict of Gregory's pontificate. After Henry rejected papal demands and supported opposition to Gregory, the pope excommunicated him in 1076. Henry crossed the Alps and sought reconciliation at Canossa in January 1077. Gregory lifted the excommunication after Henry performed public penance. The political conflict soon resumed. Gregory again excommunicated Henry in 1080, while Henry's supporters promoted an antipope.

Henry entered Rome in 1084 and had the antipope crown him emperor. Gregory took refuge in Castel Sant'Angelo until Norman forces under Robert Guiscard rescued him. The Normans then sacked parts of Rome, and the anger of the population made Gregory's position there impossible. He withdrew to Salerno, where he died on May 25, 1085. A traditional report attributes to him the final words about loving justice and dying in exile, although their exact form cannot be verified. Pope Paul V canonized Gregory in 1606. His optional memorial is celebrated on May 25.

What Gregory teaches

St. Gregory VII shows that reform must begin with fidelity to Christ, even when resistance is severe. The Church is holy yet always in need of purification and renewal, as CCC 827 teaches. Authority must be exercised for truth and service, never personal power.

Patronage

popes, Church reformers, clergy, Salerno.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you entrusted the care of your Church to human shepherds. Through the intercession of St. Gregory VII, strengthen the pope, bishops, and clergy in holiness and courage. Purify your Church and preserve her freedom to proclaim the Gospel. Amen.