St. Gregory VII (c.1015-1085) was born in Italy and originally named Ildebrando di Sovana which translates to Hildebrand of Sovana. He grew up in a devout Catholic family and his uncle, Laurentius, was abbot of a monastery in Rome.
 
As a young man, Hildebrand became close with Pope Leo IX. He was made a cardinal subdeacon and a legate. As a papal legate he served in France, Germany, and Italy. After Pope Leo IX’s death, Hildebrand became a leading figure in the papal court of the next few popes.
 
Shortly after the death of Pope Alexander II, Hildebrand was quickly ordained a priest and raised to the papacy. He chose the name Pope Gregory VII in honor of the first Pope Gregory whose writings heavily influenced him. During his time as pope, Gregory VII worked hard to reform the Church he so loved.
 
At the time, the Church was facing corruption. People in leadership were selling sacred offices and sacramentals, some clergy were unlawfully marrying, and kings and nobles, were controlling the appointment of Church officials. Pope Gregory VII fiercely resisted these corruptions. In fact, in order to put an end to the Roman Emperor Henry IV’s control over which bishops were appointed, he excommunicated him three times. Pope Gregory VII’s desire was to reunite the Church under the banner of Christ and the Holy Eucharist, instead of under the banner of whoever was richest and desired the most control.
 
Pope Gregory VII is remembered as one of the most important popes in Church history and lends his name to the Gregorian Reform, the period of reform in the Church that secured freedom from the intrusion of civil rulers. Saint Pope Gregory VII, pray for us!