Gregory the Great, also known as Pope Gregory I, was a significant figure in the early Christian Church, serving as pope from 590 to 604 AD. He is known for his contributions to church reform, the promotion of monasticism, and the establishment of the Gregorian Chant, which influenced the music of the Catholic Church. Gregory was born around 540 AD in Rome and came from a wealthy family. He became a monk and later served as a papal envoy before being elected pope. His leadership helped strengthen the authority of the papacy and laid the groundwork for the medieval Church's influence in Europe.