Gregory VII, Pope (ca. 1023-1085)

A pope of the eleventh century against whom a charge of necromancy was brought. Gregory was chiefly noted for his bitter and prolonged struggle with Henry IV, emperor of Germany. A quarrel arose between them regarding a gift by Henry of ecclesiastical dignities. Henry was summoned before Gregory to account for the gifts. He refused to appear, was excommunicated, and, in return, had the pope kidnapped by brigands.

Gregory, however, was rescued by the people of Rome and on his release commanded the Germans to elect a new emperor, Rudolph, duke of Swabia. Henry, attended by a very small retinue, went to Canossa, where Gregory resided, to arrange for terms of peace. He was treated with such severity and neglect that he lost his desire to come to terms with the pope, and on his return he elected an antipope, Clement III. In the struggle that ensued, Henry defeated Rudolph in battle and Gregory was sentenced as a sorcerer. He died in exile at Salerno.

Gregory's fame rests not in magic but chiefly on a prophecy he made publicly that Rudolph would be victorious "before St. Peter's day," a statement on which he staked his papal crown. The unfortunate Rudolph, entirely trusting Gregory's prediction, renewed the battle six times and finally died without having obtained the promised victory.

Other stories credit Gregory with the power of making lightning with a motion of his hand and causing thunder to dart from his sleeve. It was related by Benno that on one occasion he left his magic book behind him at his villa. Entrusting two of his servants with the task of returning for it, he warned them not to look into it on pain of the most awful punishment. Curiosity overcame the fears of one of them, and, opening the book, he pronounced some words. Immediately a band of imps appeared and asked what they commanded. The terrified servants begged the demons to cast down as much of the city wall as lay in their way; thus they escaped punishment for their disobedience. Notwithstanding such folklore, there is no real evidence that Gregory practiced sorcery.