When was Pope Gregory VII pope?

St. Gregory VII reigned as the 157th pope from 22 April 1073–25 May 1085, during the high Middle Ages.

What number pope was Gregory VII?

St. Gregory VII was pope 157º — the 157th successor of St. Peter in the Catholic Church's official list of 267 popes.

Is Pope Gregory VII a saint?

Yes. The Catholic Church venerates St. Gregory VII as a saint.

Who came before and after Pope Gregory VII?

St. Gregory VII (157º) succeeded Pope Alexander II (156º) and was followed by Pope Bl. Victor III (158º) in the line of apostolic succession.

Pope St. Gregory VII (157º): Canossa, Reform & Church vs. State

St. Gregory VII was the 157th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 22 April 1073–25 May 1085 during the high Middle Ages. Subject of the March of Tuscany. The Catholic Church venerates him as a saint.

Who Was Pope Gregory VII?

This biography of St. Gregory VII (157º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. Common search topics include Canossa & Reform. During the high Middle Ages, the Bishop of Rome exercised teaching, sanctifying, and governing authority for the universal Church. Catholics honor him as a saint whose intercession remains available to the faithful.

Early Life & Background

Before election he was known as Ildebrando di Soana, O.S.B.. Born circa 1015 Sovana, March of Tuscany, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church. Member of the Order of Saint Benedict. Religious formation in Order of Saint Benedict shaped his approach to the papal office.

Historical Context

Gregory VII led the Church in the high Middle Ages — an era of crusades, monastic reform, cathedral building, and intense negotiation between popes and emperors over who held ultimate authority in Christendom.

Pontificate & Key Events

The pontificate (22 April 1073–25 May 1085) centered on governance during the high Middle Ages. Was of Lombard ethnicity. Initiated the Gregorian Reforms. Restricted the use of the papal title to the bishop of Rome.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Gregory VII left a distinct mark through decisions that historians still debate and Catholics still study. His reign contributed to the continuous apostolic succession now numbering 267 popes.

Key Highlights

157th pope of the Catholic Church
Pontificate: 22 April 1073–25 May 1085
Venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church
Initiated the Gregorian Reforms.

Legacy in the Catholic Church

St. Gregory VII remains pope 157º in the Annuario Pontificio. The Church venerates his feast and holds up his virtues for imitation. Read against the high Middle Ages, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.

Why Catholics Study This Pope Today

Studying St. Gregory VII helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the high Middle Ages — with human weakness and grace intertwined. You may ask Gregory VII for intercession and look up his feast in the Roman calendar or Martyrology. Place this pope in context using our chronological list of all 267 popes and the biographies of his immediate predecessor and successor linked below.

Place in the Line of Succession

St. Gregory VII followed Pope Alexander II (156º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Bl. Victor III (158º), who continued the mission of shepherding the universal Church. Explore the full chronological chain in our complete list of all 267 popes, or read the biographies of neighboring pontiffs linked below.