February 20

Born in 709, he became Bishop of Catania and dedicated his life to pastoral care. He was known for miraculous healings and exorcisms that attracted pilgrims. Leo fiercely opposed corrupt officials and defended his flock against invaders. He established hospitals and alms houses to aid the destitute. His writings on faith and morality influenced later ecclesiastical thought. Venerated as a patron saint of Catania, his feast day is celebrated on February 20. His legacy endures in the cathedral of Catania, where relics are still revered.

Born into a low-status family around 500, Theodora rose to prominence through her work in Constantinople's entertainment world before marrying Justinian I. As Empress from 527 to 548, she wielded significant influence over imperial policy and court affairs. She championed legal reforms that improved the status of women, including anti-human trafficking laws and expanded divorce rights. During the Nika riots of 532, her resolve helped persuade Justinian to remain in the capital and suppress the revolt. Theodora also founded charitable institutions such as hospitals and convents. Her diplomatic skills strengthened Byzantine relations with neighboring states. Revered as a saint by the Orthodox Church, her legacy endures in architecture and art depicting her benevolence.

Born in 978, Yaroslav succeeded his brother to rule Novgorod before becoming Grand Prince of Kiev in 1019. He invited scholars to his court and fostered the construction of Saint Sophia Cathedral. Yaroslav codified the first legal code, the Russkaya Pravda, consolidating justice across his realm. Through strategic marriage alliances, he strengthened ties with European dynasties and boosted trade. His reign saw economic growth, flourishing arts, and increased literacy. Yaroslav maintained peace with neighboring powers while defending against nomadic incursions. Upon his death in 1054, his laws and cultural achievements endured as the foundation of Eastern Slavic civilization.

Born around 1080 in Somerset, Wulfric served briefly as a priest before withdrawing to a hermitage near Haselbury Plucknett. He lived in close communion with nature, adhering to strict fasting and prayer. Pilgrims and nobles sought his counsel and were said to receive healing and prophecy. Wulfric famously warned King Henry I of his death and predicted events in England’s church and monarchy. His piety and miracles inspired devotion, leading to local veneration after his death in 1154. Miracles at his tomb attracted pilgrims to his chapel. Though never formally canonized, he is celebrated in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

Born in 1138 to the ducal family of Brittany, Conan inherited the title Duke of Brittany in 1156. He reinforced his position by marrying Margaret, daughter of Henry of Scotland, strengthening ties to the Anglo-Norman realm. Conan navigated complex feudal loyalties, balancing the interests of France and England. He implemented administrative reforms to centralize ducal authority and foster trade in Brittany’s ports. Despite conflicts with local barons, his diplomatic skills maintained relative peace. His death in 1171 led to a regency for his young heir, marking a period of unrest. Conan’s reign laid groundwork for Brittany’s future prominence in medieval Europe.

Born around 1138, Tancred was the illegitimate son of Roger III of Apulia and nephew of King William II of Sicily. He seized the Sicilian crown in 1189 after William’s death, amid disputes over succession. Tancred faced immediate threats from Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI, leading to military engagements across Sicily. He secured support from the island’s barons and Arab-Sicilian populace, preserving the kingdom’s independence. Tancred established alliances through marriage with the Byzantine nobility. His brief reign saw cultural flourishing and the strengthening of Palermo as a Mediterranean center. Tancred died in 1194 during conflict with imperial forces, ending Norman autonomy in Sicily.

Born in 1213, Al-Musta'sim ascended to the Abbasid Caliphate in 1242, inheriting a realm weakened by internal strife. Under his rule, the Mongol Empire under Hulagu Khan advanced toward the Middle East. Despite warnings, Al-Musta'sim failed to form effective alliances or fortify Baghdad adequately. In 1258, the city fell after a brutal siege, leading to massive destruction and loss of life. The Mongols executed Al-Musta'sim, ending the 500-year Abbasid Caliphate. His death symbolized the collapse of classical Islamic authority. The fall of Baghdad had lasting cultural and political ramifications across the Islamic world.

Born in 1341, Henry Percy inherited vast estates in northern England and rose to prominence under King Edward III. Appointed Earl Marshal in 1377, he oversaw royal armies and funerary ceremonies. Percy played a key role in suppressing the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 and maintained order along the Scottish border. He cultivated influence at Richard II’s court but later supported Henry IV’s accession in 1399. Percy’s tenure was marked by administrative reforms and castle construction in Northumberland. His patronage extended to religious houses and local guilds. Dying in 1408, he left a powerful legacy, continued by his famed son “Hotspur.”

Born Oddone Colonna in 1368, he became Cardinal before the schism divided the Catholic Church. In 1417, he was elected Pope Martin V at the Council of Constance, bringing an end to the rival papacies. His pontificate focused on healing divisions, reforming church finances, and restoring papal authority. Martin patronized Renaissance art and scholarship, commissioning architects and artists in Rome. He negotiated peace among European powers and addressed heretical movements. Martin V traveled less than other popes but strengthened the Vatican’s administrative structures. His death in 1431 marked the start of a stable papacy leading into the High Renaissance.

Born into the ruling Branković dynasty, Lazar assumed the title Despot of Serbia in 1456 after his brother’s death. His brief reign was marked by diplomatic efforts to secure support from Hungary against Ottoman encroachment. Lazar strengthened fortifications around the capital and attempted to centralize administration. Internal noble rivalries and external threats strained the despotate’s resources. He married Helena Palaiologina, linking Serbian and Byzantine nobility. Lazar died childless in 1458, leading to a contested succession. His rule is seen as the final chapter of a once-powerful medieval Serbian state.

Born in 1455, John ascended to the Danish throne in 1481. He ruled as King of Norway and Sweden, uniting the Nordic kingdoms under the Kalmar Union. His reign was challenged by Swedish noble resistance and internal conflicts. He strengthened his rule through diplomatic marriages and balancing rival powers. His death in 1513 signaled the start of the Kalmar Union's eventual fragmentation.

Born around 1500, Tecun Uman was a prince of the Kʼicheʼ Maya people. He led indigenous resistance against Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado. Legend says he fought a duel with Alvarado on the shores of the Oxolotán River. He fell in battle on February 20, 1524, becoming a symbol of Maya bravery. He is honored as Guatemala's national hero with monuments and cultural ceremonies.