Popes Francis, Benedict XVI, John Paul II: 100 years of God’s love
Pope Francis, 88, was recently diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, and as concerned Catholics around the world pray for the Holy Father, the Vatican revealed last week that he will remain hospitalized for treatment.
The popes of the last 100 years have seen their fair share of political divides and controversy, from pontiffs breaking centuries-old practices to backlash over the Vatican’s response to Hitler’s regime to the teachings of God’s love and grace and traveling the world to reach the sick and lonely.
Before Pope Francis was elected by the College of Cardinals in 2013, Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger, led the Catholic Church from 2005-2013.
Ratzinger was born in Bavaria, Germany, and witnessed horrific acts during the Nazi regime, leading him to desire to commit to the church at a young age. Despite being forced to join the Hitler Youth at 14, Ratzinger went on to become ordained in 1951 and was elected pope in 2005. During his papacy, he preached a message of God’s eternal love, encouraged Catholics to remain faithful to God, and implored the presence of love, joy, and truth in life. Citing health concerns, Benedict resigned in 2013 and passed away at 95 in 2022.
Pope John Paul II, born Karol Wojtyła, was the first Polish pontiff and served from 1978-2005. He traveled to 129 countries during his 26-year pontificate, preaching service, responsibility for peace, and the protection of life. In 1981, he forgave his would-be assassin after being shot in St. Peter’s Square. John Paul II died in 2005 at 84 and was canonized as a saint in 2014.
Pope John Paul I, born Albino Luciani, was elected pope in 1978 but passed away only 33 days later. He is often referred to as “the Smiling Pope.”
Pope Paul VI, born Giovanni Battista Montini, served from 1963-1978. He concluded the Second Vatican Council, condemned antisemitism, and traveled extensively during his reign. He was canonized as a saint in 2018.
Pope John XXIII, born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, convened the Second Vatican Council, modernizing the Catholic Church and building better relationships with other religions. He died in 1963 and was canonized as a saint in 2014.
Pope Pius XII, born Eugenio Pacelli, served during World War II and the Holocaust. He has been criticized for his response to the atrocities against Jewish people during the war. Pius XII died in 1958 at 82.
Pope Pius XI, born Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti, was ordained a priest in 1879 and served from 1922-1939. He signed the Lateran Treaty with Mussolini, acknowledging papal sovereignty over the Vatican City. Pius XI died in 1939 at 81.
As Pope Francis battles pneumonia in the hospital, Catholics around the world continue to pray for his recovery and well-being. The legacy of the popes of the last century serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs faced by the leaders of the Catholic Church.
