In 1083, Pope Gregory VII continued his reforms aimed at increasing the Church's power and independence from secular rulers. This period was marked by the Investiture Controversy, which challenged the authority of kings versus the papacy, particularly in regions like Italy and Germany. The pope's efforts to assert ecclesiastical authority had lasting impacts on the relationship between church and state, influencing the political landscape of Europe.

The reforms initiated by Pope Gregory VII inspired various literary works that explored themes of morality, authority, and the divine right of kings. Poets and playwrights in later centuries, such as Dante Alighieri, would reflect on these conflicts in their works, examining the intersection of power and faith.