April 27

Born in 1468 as the youngest son of King Casimir IV Jagiellon, Frederick was ordained a priest at an early age and rose swiftly within the church. He was appointed Archbishop of Gniezno in 1484 and became the first Primate of Poland in 1493, holding great political influence. Created cardinal by Pope Alexander VI, he often served as interrex between monarchs and played a key role in royal elections. Frederick supported Renaissance humanism and patronized cultural and educational initiatives throughout Poland. Until his death in 1503, he balanced religious duties with statecraft, shaping the Polish church and monarchy.

Tim LaHaye was an American evangelical minister, activist, and bestselling author. He co-authored the Left Behind series, which sold millions of copies and popularized apocalyptic Christian fiction. LaHaye was a leading conservative voice on moral and family issues, founding several Christian organizations. He lectured extensively on prophecy and biblical interpretation, influencing religious thought. LaHaye penned over fifty books, covering theology, politics, and social commentary. His work sparked debate and shaped evangelical culture in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Robin Eames was ordained in 1962 and rose to become Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland in 1986. He championed reconciliation during the Troubles, fostering dialogue between Protestant and Catholic communities. Eames represented the Church of Ireland in ecumenical and political forums, earning respect for his calm leadership. As a member of the House of Lords, he contributed to national debates on religious tolerance and social justice. Upon retirement in 2006, he continued to support charitable initiatives and interfaith cooperation in Ireland.

Stanisław Dziwisz was born in 1939 in Raba Wyżna, Poland, and ordained a priest in 1963. He served as personal secretary to Cardinal Karol Wojtyła in Kraków and continued in that role after Wojtyła became Pope John Paul II in 1978, remaining at his side for nearly three decades. In 2005, Dziwisz was appointed Archbishop of Kraków and created a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI. He played a key role in promoting the legacy of John Paul II and oversaw numerous pilgrimages to the Polish pope's shrine. He retired in 2016 and is recognized as a leading figure in the modern Polish Church.

Fethullah Gülen was born in 1941 in Erzurum, Turkey, and is known for his work as an Islamic preacher and theologian. He founded the Hizmet (Service) movement, emphasizing education, interfaith dialogue, and community service through a global network of schools and institutions. Once an ally of Turkish political leadership, he entered self-imposed exile in the United States in 1999 to continue his scholarly activities. Gülen's teachings blend Sufi traditions with a modernist approach, attracting a large international following. Accused by the Turkish government of involvement in the 2016 coup attempt, he has denied the allegations and remains a polarizing figure. He reportedly passed away in 2024.