Pope Francis (2013–present): Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he is the first Jesuit and non-European pope in over a millennium. (PTI)
Pope Benedict XVI (2005–2013): German-born Joseph Ratzinger resigned in 2013 due to health reasons, becoming the first pope to do so in centuries. (Wikimedia Commons)
Pope John Paul II (1978–2005): Polish-born Karol Wojtyła was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years, known for his influential role in ending communism in Eastern Europe. (Wikimedia Commons)
Pope John Paul I (1978): Italian Albino Luciani’s papacy lasted only 33 days, one of the shortest in history. (Wikimedia Commons)
Pope Paul VI (1963–1978): Italian Giovanni Battista Montini implemented reforms from the Second Vatican Council and addressed modern societal issues. (Wikimedia Commons)
Pope John XXIII (1958–1963): Italian Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli initiated the Second Vatican Council, aiming to modernize the Church. (Wikimedia Commons)
Pope Pius XII (1939–1958): Italian Eugenio Pacelli led the Church through World War II, with his role during the Holocaust remaining a topic of debate. (Wikimedia Commons)
Pope Pius XI (1922–1939): Italian Achille Ratti signed the Lateran Treaty, establishing Vatican City as an independent state. (Wikimedia Commons)
Published at : 26 Feb 2025 06:57 AM (IST)
