The Gregorian Reform refers to a series of church reforms initiated by Pope Gregory VII in the 11th century. These reforms aimed to address issues such as clerical corruption, simony (the buying and selling of church offices), and the moral conduct of the clergy. The movement sought to enhance the authority of the papacy and ensure that church leaders were chosen based on merit rather than political influence.
One of the key aspects of the Gregorian Reform was the emphasis on celibacy for priests, which aimed to eliminate familial ties that could lead to conflicts of interest. The reforms also promoted the idea of papal supremacy, asserting that the pope held ultimate authority over the church and its practices. This period significantly shaped the relationship between the church and secular powers in Europe.