Pope Gregory III served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 731 to 741 AD. He is known for his efforts to strengthen the Church's influence in Europe and for his support of the iconoclast controversy, which involved the debate over the use of religious images. Gregory III also worked to promote the veneration of saints and the establishment of monasteries. During his papacy, Gregory III faced challenges from the Lombards, a Germanic people who threatened the stability of Italy. He sought assistance from the Franks, particularly Charles Martel, to protect the Papal States. His reign contributed to the growing relationship between the papacy and the Frankish kingdom.