1077 A.D.
Pope Saint Gregory VII crowns Rudolf in place of Henry IV as rightful King of Germany
1350 A.D.
Alfonso XI, King of Castile, dies as a result of contracting the plague of the Black Death
1378 A.D.
Death of Pope Gregory XI, the 201st successor of Peter and the last of the Avignon French Popes. Through the insistence of Saint Catherine of Siena Gregory returned the papal headquarters to Rome after a 75 year exile. Born in Maumont, France, he was elected on December 30, 1370. During his eight year pontificate the Roman Senate donated a part of the Vatican Hill to him which would establish the present Vatican City. Gregory XI included St. Mary Major's among the major Basilicas for gaining a jubilee indulgence which will be in effect for Jubilee 2000 as well.
1513 A.D.
Juan Ponce de Leon discovers Florida, proclaiming it for Spain and the Church.