Pope Gregory VII (c. 1020/1025 – May 25, 1085), born Hildebrand, was elevated to the papacy on April 22, 1073, and remained pope until his death.

One of the great reforming popes, Gregory is perhaps best known for the part he played in the Investiture Controversy, which pitted him against emperor Henry IV.

Early life

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Gregory VII was born Hildebrand in Sovana, a small town in Tuscany, where his childhood home still stands today. At an early age, he was sent to Rome--where his uncle served as abbot of the convent of St. Mary on the Aventine--to recive an education; Pope Gregory VI may have been among his instructors. When Emperor Henry III deposed Gregory VI, Hildebrand followed him in exile to Germany. Though he initially had no desire to cross the Alps, his residence in Germany was of great educational value and significant in his later life. He pursued his studies in Cologne before eventuially returning to Rome with Pope Leo IX. Under his guidance, Hildebrand first began work in the ecclesiastical service and became a subdeacon and steward in the Roman Catholic Church. He served as a legate in France, where he addressed the question of Berengar of Tours, whose views on the Eucharist had caused controversy.

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