Leading Figures in History

Discover the people who shaped our world — from rulers and scientists to artists and activists.

39106 persons found

Pope Marcellus II

Head of the Catholic Church in 1555

Pope Marinus I

Head of the Catholic Church from 882 to 884

Pope Nicholas II

Head of the Catholic Church from 1059 to 1061

Pope Nicholas III

Head of the Catholic Church from 1277 to 1280

Pope Paul II

Head of the Catholic Church from 1464 to 1471

Pope Paul IV

b. 1476

Head of the Catholic Church from 1555 to 1559

Pope Paul VI

Head of the Catholic Church from 1963 to 1978

Pope Pius II

Head of the Catholic Church from 1458 to 1464

Pope Pius IX

b. 1792

Head of the Catholic Church from 1846 to 1878

Pope Pius V

Head of the Catholic Church from 1566 to 1572

Pope Pius VI

Head of the Catholic Church from 1775 to 1799

Pope Pius VII

b. 1742

Head of the Catholic Church from 1800 to 1823

Pope Pius X

b. 1835

Head of the Catholic Church from 1903 to 1914

Pope Pius XI

b. 1857

Head of the Catholic Church from 1922 to 1939

Pope Sergius IV

Head of the Catholic Church from 1009 to 1012

Pope Severinus

Head of the Catholic Church in 640

Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria

b. 1923

Head of the Coptic Church from 1971 to 2012

Pope Sixtus II

Head of the Catholic Church from 257 to 258

Pope Sixtus III

Head of the Catholic Church from 432 to 440

Pope Sixtus IV

b. 1414

Head of the Catholic Church from 1471 to 1484

Pope Sixtus V

Head of the Catholic Church from 1585 to 1590

Pope Stephen I

Head of the Catholic Church from 254 to 257

Pope Sylvester II

Head of the Catholic Church from 999 to 1003

Pope Symmachus

Head of the Catholic Church from 498 to 514