Pope Nicholas II served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1058 to 1061. He is known for his efforts to reform the Church, particularly in addressing issues of simony, which is the buying and selling of church offices. Nicholas II also played a significant role in the establishment of the College of Cardinals, which helped to improve the election process of future popes. During his papacy, Nicholas II faced challenges from various factions within the Church and secular leaders. He worked to strengthen the authority of the papacy and promote clerical celibacy. His contributions laid the groundwork for future reforms in the Church, influencing the direction of the Gregorian Reform movement that followed.