Leading Figures in History

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

62247 persons found

Pope John III

Head of the Catholic Church from 561 to 574

Pope John IV

Head of the Catholic Church from 640 to 642

Pope John Paul I

Head of the Catholic Church in 1978

Pope John Paul II

b. 1920

Head of the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005

Pope John V

Head of the Catholic Church from 685 to 686

Pope John VIII of Alexandria

Head of the Coptic Church from 1300 to 1320

Pope John XII

Head of the Catholic Church from 955 to 964

Pope John XIII

Head of the Catholic Church from 965 to 972

Pope John XIV

Head of the Catholic Church from 983 to 984

Pope John XVII

Head of the Catholic Church in 1003

Pope John XXI

Head of the Catholic Church from 1276 to 1277

Pope John XXIII

Head of the Catholic Church from 1958 to 1963

Pope Julius III

b. 1487

Head of the Catholic Church from 1550 to 1555

Pope Leo I

Bishop of Rome from 440 to 461

Pope Leo II

Head of the Catholic Church from 682 to 683

Pope Leo III

Head of the Catholic Church from 795 to 816

Pope Leo IV

Head of the Catholic Church from 847 to 855

Pope Leo IX

Head of the Catholic Church from 1049 to 1054

Pope Leo VII

Head of the Catholic Church from 936 to 939

Pope Leo XI

Head of the Catholic Church in 1605

Pope Leo XII

b. 1760

Head of the Catholic Church from 1823 to 1829

Pope Leo XIII

Head of the Catholic Church from 1878 to 1903

Pope Leo XIV

b. 1955

Head of the Catholic Church since 2025

Pope Liberius

Head of the Catholic Church from 352 to 366