Leading Figures in History

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

21506 persons found

Pope Gregory VII

Head of the Catholic Church from 1073 to 1085

Pope Gregory XVI

Head of the Catholic Church from 1831 to 1846

Pope Innocent V

Head of the Catholic Church in 1276

Pope Innocent X

b. 1574

Head of the Catholic Church from 1644 to 1655

Pope Innocent XI

b. 1611

Head of the Catholic Church from 1676 to 1689

Pope John I

Head of the Catholic Church from 523 to 526

Pope John II

Head of the Catholic Church from 533 to 535

Pope John Paul II

b. 1920

Head of the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005

Pope John VIII of Alexandria

Head of the Coptic Church from 1300 to 1320

Pope John XII

Head of the Catholic Church from 955 to 964

Pope John XXI

Head of the Catholic Church from 1276 to 1277

Pope John XXIII

Head of the Catholic Church from 1958 to 1963

Pope Leo II

Head of the Catholic Church from 682 to 683

Pope Leo III

Head of the Catholic Church from 795 to 816

Pope Leo IX

Head of the Catholic Church from 1049 to 1054

Pope Leo XI

Head of the Catholic Church in 1605

Pope Marcellus II

Head of the Catholic Church in 1555

Pope Marinus I

Head of the Catholic Church from 882 to 884

Pope Paul IV

b. 1476

Head of the Catholic Church from 1555 to 1559

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 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 Sergius IV

Head of the Catholic Church from 1009 to 1012