Pope Gregory VII, a pivotal figure in the Investiture Controversy, died in Salerno, Italy in 1087. His papacy was marked by significant reforms aimed at increasing the Church's independence from secular rulers, which led to conflicts with various monarchs, including Henry IV of Germany. Gregory's death marked a turning point in the power dynamics between the papacy and European monarchies, influencing the political landscape of the time and the Church's role in governance.

Gregory VII's reforms and the resulting conflicts inspired poets and writers of the medieval period to explore themes of authority, morality, and the divine right of kings. His legacy influenced works like Dante Alighieri's 'Divine Comedy,' where the interplay between church and state is a central theme. The tensions he navigated also shaped the narrative of power struggles in literature, reflecting the complexities of faith and governance.