July 26

Pope Paul II (1417–1471), born Pietro Barbo, served as pontiff during a vibrant period of Renaissance culture in Rome. He enriched the papal library with classical manuscripts and supported prominent humanist scholars. While he initiated the Lateran Council to address ecclesiastical discipline, he also enforced strict censorship and faced criticism from reform-minded cardinals. His tenure included diplomatic engagements with European powers and efforts to repel Ottoman advances. Paul II's papacy blended artistic patronage with conservative governance, leaving a legacy as a pontiff who fostered learning amid the era's religious and political complexities.

Miguel de Benavides was born in Salamanca, Spain in 1552 into a family of humble means. He entered the Dominican Order and devoted himself to the study of the Chinese language and culture. In 1595, he was appointed Archbishop of Manila and led the church in the Spanish Philippines. Upon his death on July 26, 1605, he bequeathed his fortune and personal library for the creation of a university. This endowment led to the founding of the University of Santo Tomas in 1611, now the oldest university in Asia. His work as a sinologist and missionary bridged European and Asian scholarship for generations to come.

Maximilian Francis was born in Vienna in 1756 as the youngest son of Empress Maria Theresa. Appointed Archbishop-Elector of Cologne in 1784, he wielded both spiritual and temporal authority in the Rhineland. A noted patron of composers, he supported young Ludwig van Beethoven and commissioned works by Haydn. His tenure saw the suppression of monastic orders and Enlightenment-inspired reforms. The turmoil of the French Revolution forced him to flee to Vienna in 1794, ending his rule in Germany. He spent his final years organizing relief for exiles and promoting church initiatives in Austria. He died on July 26, 1801, remembered for his cultural contributions and political challenges during a revolutionary era.

Jaime Lucas Ortega y Alamino became Archbishop of Havana in 1981, leading the Cuban Church for over 30 years.\nHe was elevated to Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1994, becoming the first Cuban Cardinal in modern times.\nOrtega facilitated dialogue between the Cuban government and the Vatican, contributing to restored diplomatic ties in 2015.\nHe chaired the Cuban Bishops’ Conference and championed programs for the country’s poorest communities.\nKnown for his diplomatic acumen, he helped ease tensions between Cuba and the United States.\nCardinal Ortega’s leadership bridged faith and politics, leaving a lasting impact on Cuban society.