Gregory VII, Saint

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Gregory VII, Saint (1020–85) Pope (1073–85), b. Hildebrand. He condemned lay investiture, simony and clerical marriage. Emperor Henry IV opposed the reforms and deposed Gregory (1076). Gregory responded by excommunicating Henry. Gregory failed to establish the independence of the papacy, but his example inspired the Concordat of Worms (1122). His feast day is May 25.

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