April 20

Born as Octavian, he became a cardinal before his controversial election as antipope in 1159. Supported by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I, he challenged the legitimacy of Alexander III and deepened the schism within the Church. He maintained his claim until his death in 1164, holding territories in Italy loyal to the imperial cause. His tenure intensified the struggle between papal and imperial powers, shaping the course of medieval European politics. The resolution of this conflict paved the way for the Concordat of Worms and a new balance between Church and Empire.

Born Bertrand de Got in 1264, he was elected Pope in 1305 amid tensions between the Papacy and the French monarchy. Influenced by King Philip IV, he moved the papal court to Avignon in 1309, initiating the Avignon Papacy period. He faced the controversial trial and dissolution of the Knights Templar, ordering the arrest of its members in 1307. His decisions strengthened French influence over the Church while deepening divisions in Christendom. Clement V died in 1314, and his papacy set precedents that would shape Church-state relations for generations.

Originating from a noble family in the 13th century, he entered the Augustinian Order and rose to prominence as a preacher and teacher. He served as Prior Provincial and visited numerous monasteries to enforce discipline and doctrinal orthodoxy. Rinalducci authored influential commentaries on Scripture and was known for his deep devotion and ascetic lifestyle. Reports of miracles and healings at his tomb contributed to his beatification in the centuries following his death. He died in 1322, leaving a legacy as one of the Order’s most revered figures.

Born in 1506 in Aldington, Kent, she entered a Benedictine abbey and gained reputation for piety. She claimed visions foretelling the King's break with Rome and condemned Henry VIII's marriage to Anne Boleyn. Her prophecies brought her royal scrutiny and the favor of Catherine of Aragon. Arrested in 1533 for treasonous utterances, she was imprisoned in the Tower of London. In April 1534, she was executed by hanging and beheading, her final words invoking divine justice. Her death made her a symbol of resistance to the English Reformation.

Born in Wollin (now Wolin, Poland) in 1485, he studied theology at Wittenberg. A close collaborator of Martin Luther, he earned the title 'Doctor Pomeranus'. He drafted church ordinances for Wittenberg, Lübeck, and Hamburg, shaping early Lutheran governance. As pastor of St. Mary's in Wittenberg, he oversaw liturgical reforms and published influential catechisms. His diplomatic skills aided the spread of Protestantism across northern Germany and Scandinavia. He passed away in 1558, leaving a lasting legacy in Lutheran church organization.

Born in 1632, he served as chaplain to English colonies in Tangier, exposing him to Arabic and Jewish communities. Upon returning to England, he held positions at All Saints' Church in Reading and later became Dean of Lichfield. Addison authored 'The present state of the Jews' (1675), one of the first English studies on Jewish life. His scholarship provided Western readers with insights into Middle Eastern religions and cultures. He also educated many students, linking ecclesiastical duties with academic pursuits. His work laid the groundwork for future Oriental studies in Britain, influencing theological scholarship.

Michael Fu Tieshan served as President of the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association from 1980 until 2006, overseeing state-sanctioned Catholic activities in mainland China. Ordained bishop of Yanzhou in the mid-1980s, he navigated complex relations between the government and the Vatican. Fu played a pivotal role in appointing bishops independently of Rome, drawing both support and criticism. He authored pastoral letters that balanced doctrinal adherence with state regulations. His tenure highlighted the tensions of practicing Catholicism under a socialist government. He passed away in 2007, leaving a lasting impact on the structure of the Chinese Catholic Church.