On June 18, 1985, the Vatican issued a series of three stamps to commemorate the ninth centenary of the death of St. Gregory VII.
St. Gregory VII was born at Soana, in Tuscany, around 1020 AD. At an early age, he entered the Benedictine order and was given the name "Hildebrand." He eventually became the abbot at St. Paul's Basilica, Rome, which was restored under his direction. Hildebrand also served as an advisor to popes Leo IX, Stephen IX, Nicholas II, and Alexander II. He influenced Nicholas II to promulgate a decree that declared that only the College of Cardinals would elect future pontiffs.
Hildebrand became pope in 1073 by a unanimous vote. During the period, some European rulers claimed the right to directly appoint bishops and to invest them with the symbols of their office. Gregory VII's strong opposition to this practice, known as "lay investiture," resulted in a conflict between him and the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV (1050-1106). In 1076, the emperor attempted to depose him from the papacy. This resulted in Henry IV's excommunication and his famous submission to Gregory VII at Canossa in January 1077. Nevertheless, their conflict resumed in 1080.
Four years later, Henry IV captured Rome, which forced Gregory VII to take refuge in Castel Saint Angelo, Rome's most important fortified area. Robert Guiscard, the Norman Duke of Apulia and Calabria, then rescued the pope. However, plundering by Guiscard's troops caused great turmoil in Rome, and Gregory VII consequently fled to the Benedictine abbey of Monte Cassino. At Salerno, he uttered his famous dying statement, "I have loved justice and hated iniquity, and therefore I die an exile." Gregory VII came to be revered because of his unselfish efforts to end secular interference in Church affairs. In 1606, Pope Paul V (1552-1621) canonized him. Catholics celebrate his feast day on May 25.
The 450-lire stamp depicts Pope Gregory VII (d. 1085) extending his blessing. Along the top of the stamp appear the denomination and the dates 1085-1985. At the side appear the words POSTE VATICANE and the inscription SAN GREGORIO VII.
The two lower values (150- and 450-lire) are vertical in format, measure 30 x 40 mm, and have a perforation of 13 1/4 x 14. The high value (2,500-lire) is horizontal, 40 x 30 mm, and perforated 14 x 13 1/4.
The Italian State Polygraphic Institute and Mint printed 800,000 complete series on white chalky paper in multicolor photogravure print. They were issued in sheets of twenty. Patrizia Gabriele engraved the stamp designs.
Crimando, Thomas I. "Ninth Centenary of Death of St. Gregory VII." Vatican Notes 34, no. 2 (September 1985): 8.