The Gregorian Reforms refer to a chain of reforms implemented by Pope Gregory VII that largely affected the moral integrity and independence of the clergy of the Catholic Church Roman. Gregory VII claimed that, like his royal name, the reforms were in honor of Gregory the Great. The reforms he initiated were based on his belief that God founded the Church and that he entrusted the Church with the mission of embracing all humanity in a single law where his divine will is the only law (Robinson, 2004, p. 12). The goal of the reforms was to return the Church to its original purity and to prohibit simony and clerical marriages. The reforms overhauled the organization of the Church to institute a hierarchical structure with the Pope at the top (Cushin, 2005, p.19). The reforms emphasize the central role of the priesthood and the sacraments in the lives of Christians and the central importance of a morally upright clergy. Additionally, Reformers insisted on the separation of church and state. An interesting thing to note about Gregory VII is that he believed in the supremacy of the Church over the State and at no time would he describe them as equals (Thatcher and McNeal, 2014 p. 136). Arguably, the Papal reforms began when Pope Leo IX was appointed pope in 1049 and introduced the concept of papal authority. Leo, upon his appointment, asked the bishops to confirm that they were innocent of committing simony. He condemned both simonial and clerical marriages. Leo's reign suffered many setbacks, but it is particularly important in church history because his legislation formed the basis for later reforms. He brought in like-minded clerics committed to reforms. It is important to note that Humbert is a...... middle of paper ......includei. The Gregorian reforms were able at their time to introduce compulsory celibacy among the clergy and eradicate simony. ii. Simony, a common practice, was eradicated thanks to the Gregorian reforms. “...which belong to this kingdom, shall be done in your presence, without simony or any violence; provided that…” (Primary sources for the investiture conference p. 1). iii. Pope Nicholas II (1058-1061) had issued a decree placing the election of popes in the hands of the cardinal, and Gregory promoted this decree, which eliminated secular investiture. iv. The reformers succeeded in establishing the hierarchical structure of the Church, with the Pope as the supreme head. Gregory's failure is seen in his ugly relationship with Henry, which threatened to overshadow his reforms. Gregory died in exile but the cardinal voted for his successor a clear success over Henry..