Final answer:
Pope Gregory the Great significantly advanced the development of the early Roman Catholic Church through political savvy, missionary efforts, and fostering the Church's authority over secular powers in medieval Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pope Gregory the Great played a significant role in the development of the early Roman Catholic Church at the turn of the seventh century. His efforts in asserting papal authority were multi-faceted, including shrewd political maneuvers to gain the trust of Germanic kings, spreading Christianity through missionary work, and forging important documents like the Donation of Constantine to bolster the papacy's claim to authority. Gregory's influence was not just religious but also crucial in shaping the Church's burgeoning influence over secular rulers, thus deeply entwining the Church with the fabric of medieval European society.