Leading Figures in History

Discover the people who shaped our world — from rulers and scientists to artists and activists.

62243 persons found

Pope Nicholas I

Head of the Catholic Church from 858 to 867

Pope Nicholas II

Head of the Catholic Church from 1059 to 1061

Pope Nicholas III

Head of the Catholic Church from 1277 to 1280

Pope Nicholas IV

b. 1227

Head of the Catholic Church from 1288 to 1292

Pope Nicholas V

b. 1397

Head of Catholic Church from 1447 to 1455

Pope Paul II

Head of the Catholic Church from 1464 to 1471

Pope Paul III

Head of the Catholic Church from 1534 to 1549

Pope Paul IV

b. 1476

Head of the Catholic Church from 1555 to 1559

Pope Paul V

b. 1550

Head of the Catholic Church from 1605 to 1621

Pope Paul VI

Head of the Catholic Church from 1963 to 1978

Pope Pius II

Head of the Catholic Church from 1458 to 1464

Pope Pius III

Head of the Catholic Church in 1503

Pope Pius IX

b. 1792

Head of the Catholic Church from 1846 to 1878

Pope Pius V

Head of the Catholic Church from 1566 to 1572

Pope Pius VI

Head of the Catholic Church from 1775 to 1799

Pope Pius VII

b. 1742

Head of the Catholic Church from 1800 to 1823

Pope Pius X

b. 1835

Head of the Catholic Church from 1903 to 1914

Pope Pius XI

b. 1857

Head of the Catholic Church from 1922 to 1939

Pope Pius XII

Head of the Catholic Church from 1939 to 1958

Pope Sergius I

Head of the Catholic Church from 687 to 701

Pope Sergius IV

Head of the Catholic Church from 1009 to 1012

Pope Severinus

Head of the Catholic Church in 640

Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria

b. 1923

Head of the Coptic Church from 1971 to 2012

Pope Sixtus II

Head of the Catholic Church from 257 to 258