Pope Gregory VII:
Born as Hildebrand somewhere between 1020 and 1025, Pope Gregory VII is seen among the catholic community as one of the most influential popes in history, famed for being leader of the Reform Catholics. His traditional name, Hildebrand, is pronounced Hellebrand, literally meaning “a bright flame.” How fitting then, for a man such as this to ignite the flaming controversy.
He battled for the supremacy of the Reform Catholics his entire papacy from 1073 until his death on May 23, 1085 in Salerno. Though it was clear that his actions were meant to better the position of the Catholic Church, it is still unknown whether he fought for papal power itself, or whether he was driven purely by religious reasons.
King Henry VII:
Son of Henry III of Germany, Henry IV of Germany was born in the city of Goslar on November 11, 1050. When he was twenty five, in 1075, Henry took the throne and began to rule the empire. Henry IV dedicated much of his entire life as king and emperor addressing the problem of Lay Investiture, and battled against popes such as Gregory VII and then Urban II before his son, Henry V, took control of the empire in 1098.
