Which European rulers did Gregory VII try to place under papal overlordship?

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St. Gregory VII was the first pope to systematically attempt to assert papal overlordship over secular rulers across Europe, viewing the papacy as the representative of St. Peter with authority over all Christian governments.12

In his efforts to establish this authority, Gregory VII sought to place the following regions and rulers under papal overlordship:

  • England: Gregory requested an oath of fealty from William I, who refused the request, though he did resume the payment of Peter’s Pence.2
  • Other Regions: Gregory attempted to assert overlordship in Spain, Croatia-Dalmatia, Denmark, Hungary, the kingdom of Kiev, Brittany, Poland, and Bohemia.2

These attempts were largely unsuccessful, with the notable exception of his alliance with the Norman leaders of southern Italy, where he acted as their overlord in exchange for their military and financial aid. Gregory’s broader vision of papal primacy also led to intense conflicts with secular leaders regarding the appointment of bishops, most famously with Emperor Henry IV and King Philip I of France.2