Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085)
playerThe Vatican & Religious Power
This pope claimed the power to fire kings and emperors.
Who they are
Pope Gregory VII, who reigned 1073-1085.
What they do
He pushed the claim that the pope held supreme authority even over secular rulers.
How it works
Through the Investiture Controversy (1075-1122) he asserted absolute papal supremacy over emperors and established the doctrine that the papacy could actually depose them.
Why it matters
The engine scores his structural importance 9 out of 10 for establishing the Church's claim to override worldly rulers.
The engine's record — word for word
Report #76. Investiture Controversy 1075-1122. Asserted absolute papal supremacy over secular emperors; established doctrine that papacy could depose emperors. Score 9/10.
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