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Gregory the Seventh

A pope of the eleventh century, against whom a charge of necromancy was brought. He is chiefly notable for his bitter and prolonged struggle with Henry IV., Emperor of Germany. A quarrel arose between them regarding the gift by Henry of ecclesiastical dignities, to account for which he was summoned before Gregory. He refused to appear, was excommunicated, and, in return, had the pope kidnapped by brigands. Gregory, however, was rescued by the people of Rome, and on his release commanded the Germans to elect a new emperor, Rudolph, duke of Suabia. Henry, attended by a very small retinue, thereupon repaired to Canossa, where Gregory at that time resided, to arrange for terms of peace. He was there treated with such severity and studied neglect that his desire to come to terms with the pope left him, and on his return he elected an anti-pope, Clement III. In the struggle which ensued Henry defeated Rudolph in battle and Gregory was sentenced as a sorcerer. He died in exile at Salerno.

As a magician he is not very conspicuous, for his fame rests chiefly on a prophecy he made publicly that Rudolph would be victorious, and that "before St. Peter's day," on the fulfilment of which saying he staked his papal crown. The unfortunate Rudolph, entirely trusting to Gregory's oracular utterance, renewed the battle six times and finally perished without having obtained the promised victory. Other stories credit Gregory with the power of making lightning with a motion of his hand, and causing thunder to dart from his sleeve. It is related by Benno that on one occasion he left his magical book behind him at his villa. Entrusting two of his servants with the task of returning for it, he warned them not to look into it on pain of the most awful punishment. However, curiosity overcame the fears of one of them, and, opening the book he pronounced some words. Immediately a band of imps appeared and asked what was their command. The terrified servants begged that the demons would cast down so much of the city wall as lay in their way, and thus they escaped the penalty of their disobedience.

Of a lofty and severe cast of mind, Gregory's motive was not so much fraud as profound enthusiasm and strength of purpose, which sustained him through the struggle with Henry to the end of his life.