March 03

Born in 1455 into the powerful Sforza family of Milan, Ascanio was made a cardinal deacon by Pope Innocent VIII. He wielded significant influence in the Papal States, acting as a key negotiator in Italian politics. Brother to Duke Ludovico Sforza, he arranged alliances between Milan and Rome. A patron of humanists and artists, he supported the early Italian Renaissance. He played a pivotal role in the papal conclave of 1492, helping to secure the election of Pope Alexander VI. His correspondence offers insight into the complex power dynamics of the era.

Born in 1506 to King Manuel I of Portugal and Maria of Aragon, Infante Luís was granted the title Duke of Beja at an early age. He was appointed cardinal by Pope Leo X, holding benefices in Italy and Portugal. Known for his devout faith, he balanced royal duties with his ecclesiastical offices. Though he never took holy orders, his influence extended across courts and church hierarchies. He patronized religious institutions and maintained diplomatic ties with Rome. His tenure exemplified the intertwining of monarchy and the Catholic Church during the Renaissance.

Born in 1520 in Istria, Matthias studied under Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon at Wittenberg. He became professor of theology at the University of Jena, where he championed strict Lutheran orthodoxy. As co-editor of the Magdeburg Centuries, he contributed to one of the first comprehensive histories of the Church. He vigorously opposed the Catholic Counter-Reformation and the Union of Augsburg, leading to disputes with contemporaries. Banished for his uncompromising stance, he continued writing influential theological treatises on doctrine and scripture. His legacy endures in confessional Lutheranism and historical scholarship.

Born in 1589 in Heusden, Voetius studied theology in Geneva and Lausanne before becoming a professor at the University of Utrecht. A staunch opponent of Cartesian philosophy, he defended traditional Calvinist doctrine in sermons and treatises. He authored important works on church government, catechism, and mysticism, shaping Dutch Reformed spirituality. Voetius served multiple terms as rector of Utrecht, influencing generations of theologians. His discipline-based collegia fostered theological education across the Netherlands. Remembered for his piety and academic rigor, he left a lasting mark on Protestant theology.

Damaskinos of Athens was a prominent Greek Orthodox leader who served as Archbishop of Athens during World War II and later as Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. He is remembered for his courageous stand against the Nazi occupation of Greece, issuing public protests and sheltering persecuted citizens. After the war, he played an influential role in the reconstruction of the Greek church and nation. Damaskinos advocated for interfaith dialogue and social justice. He was awarded honors for his humanitarian efforts. His leadership remains a symbol of moral authority in turbulent times.