Gregory I, also known as Gregory the Great, was a 6th-century Roman pope and influential theologian. Born around 540 in Rome to a senator, he initially served as the city's prefect before retreating to a monastery established on his family's estate. Following his time as a monk, he became the 64th Bishop of Rome in 590. Throughout his papacy, which lasted until his death in 604, he exerted significant influence by sending missionaries to England and reasserting papal authority across parts of France and Spain.