July 27

Born Gerard of Burgundy, he was elected pope in 1058 during a time of clerical corruption and simony. Nicholas II convened the Council of Melfi in 1059, issuing the papal bull In nomine Domini to regulate papal elections. He sought to strengthen papal authority and reduce secular interference in ecclesiastical matters. Under his pontificate, he also opposed the antipope Benedict X and secured recognition from European rulers. His brief reformist papacy set important precedents for the Gregorian Reforms that followed. Nicholas II died in 1061, leaving a legacy of increased independence and structure for the papal office.

Albertus van Raalte (1811–1876) was ordained in the Dutch Reformed Church and emigrated to the United States in the 1840s. He led a group of Dutch settlers to Michigan, founding the city of Holland and Hope College. As a minister and community leader, he established numerous congregations across the Midwest. Van Raalte authored religious tracts and historical accounts detailing the immigrant experience. His advocacy for education and faith solidified his legacy in both ecclesiastical and academic circles. He is remembered as a foundational figure in shaping Dutch-American cultural life.

Francesco Marchisano was an Italian cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church who dedicated decades to diplomatic and administrative service within the Vatican. He represented the Holy See in various international assignments, strengthening the Church's global relations. Later, he assumed key roles within the Roman Curia, overseeing essential departments and initiatives. Elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope John Paul II in 2003, he was known for his diplomatic skills and deep theological insight. Throughout his career, Marchisano worked to advance the mission of the Church until his death in 2014.