Where and how did Pope Gregory VII die?

Answer 1

A:

Pope Gregory VII died in exile in Salerno. A vain autocrat within the Catholic Church, he stirred up trouble with Emperor Henry IV, claiming supremacy over the secular authorities, including supreme legislative and judicial power. He at first won the day, forcing Henry into a humiliating submission, but the tide turned and Henry marched on Rome. In desperation Gregory appealed to the Normans. They freed the city from the emperor but then looted and burnt at least a third of it. The result was one the worst sacks in the history of Rome, for which the Romans held Gregory responsible. He managed to get out of the city unscathed, though cursed, and made his way to Salerno where the Normans ensured his safety.

Gregory died after only a year in exile, perhaps of despair. There is no suggestion the Normans did not treat him well in exile. John W. O'Malley S.J. (A History of the Popes) says that no pope in history died hated by more people than Gregory VII.