Gregory VII

The last event narrated in the previous article was the elevation of Hildebrand to the papal throne under the name of Gregory VII. We also took notice of Hildebrand's conception of the relation of church and state. The Roman pontiff alone, he held, can with right be called universal. He alone can depose and reinstate bishops. It may be permitted him to depose emperors. He himself may be judged by no one. He may absolve subjects of their fidelity to wicked rulers. On these principles, it was...