Final answer:
The papacy of Pope St. Gregory the Great marked the early stages of the Early Middle Ages, characterized by the pursuit of papal independence and the increasing influence of the Church through missionary work and diplomacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Era Marked by Pope St. Gregory the Great
The papacy of Pope St. Gregory the Great, which began at the turn of the seventh century, marked the early stages of the medieval period, often considered as part of the Early Middle Ages.
Gregory sought to establish papal independence in a time when Byzantium could no longer protect Rome, by engaging with various Germanic kings and sending missionaries to expand Christianity and thus, the influence of the Church.
Gregory's indirect approach to gain spiritual authority set a precedent for the trajectory of the papacy, as he asserted authority through diplomacy and religious expansion rather than through direct military power.
The medieval Church, influenced by such papal actions, eventually claimed dominion over Western Christendom, building the foundation of their power on doctrine, organization, and the supposedly divine-right arguments such as those found in the fraudulent Donation of Constantine.
It was after Gregory's time that the Church encountered significant challenges, often peaking in events like the Great Western Schism, which reflected the declining prestige and questioned legitimacy of the Church's leadership. Gregory's role in church history was significant for its early steps towards an independent and influential papacy that would endure and evolve throughout the Middle Ages.