Today in the book In Caelo et in Terra, we read about Pope Saint Gregory VII. He was a great reformer, and began working to restore the church to holiness even before he was pope. He was an advisor to the popes before him. When his successor passed away, the people recognized his ability and his holiness and reportedly cried out, "Let Hildebrand be pope!" His name was Hildebrand before he became pope and chose the name Gregory.
He worked hard for reform in the church, trying to restore relations with the Eastern church and cleaning up the corruption in the Roman church leadership. He faced opposition from kings, though, and ended up his pontificate in exile.
You can read more about him here.
It's funny how we go from popular to unpopular and back and forth when we follow Jesus. Jesus Himself was lauded as the coming Messiah one day and condemned to die in the following week. And our current pope enjoyed great popularity when he first became pope, but many have now turned against him.
Fortunately, God looks at our hearts.
God, thanks for the example of this courageous pope who worked hard for Your church. Pope Saint Gregory VII, pray for us.
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