Pope Gregory XI was the 201st pope of the Roman Catholic Church, serving from 1370 to 1378. He is best known for ending the Avignon Papacy, a period during which seven consecutive popes resided in Avignon, France, rather than Rome. His return to Rome in 1377 marked a significant moment in church history, as it aimed to restore the papacy's authority in Italy. During his papacy, Gregory XI faced various challenges, including political conflicts and the Western Schism, which arose after his death. His efforts to unify the church and strengthen its position were crucial in shaping the future of the papacy and the Catholic Church.