Pope Gregory VII, born Hildebrand of Sovana, was a significant figure in the history of the Catholic Church. He served as the pope from 1073 to 1085 and is known for his efforts to reform the church and its practices. Gregory VII is particularly remembered for his role in the Investiture Controversy, a power struggle between the papacy and secular rulers over the appointment of church officials. His insistence on the church's independence from secular authority and his promotion of clerical celibacy were central to his reform efforts. Gregory VII's papacy had a lasting impact on the church and its relationship with secular powers.