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Timeline

Major moments in the life of the Church — from today back through councils, fathers, popes, miracles, apparitions, the history that shaped Christendom.

8 May 2025–present

Fathers

Vatican City

Elected 8 May 2025. First pope from the United States; Order of Saint Augustine.

8 May 2025–present

Popes

Vatican City

Elected 8 May 2025. First pope from the United States; Order of Saint Augustine.

2013–2025

Fathers

Rome

First Jesuit and Latin American pope; synodality and care for the poor.

today

Liturgy

Worldwide

The Mass of Paul VI, with the third typical edition of the Missal, remains the ordinary liturgy of the Latin Church worldwide.

24 Oct 2024

Encyclicals

Rome

On the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ.

2023–

Secular

Israel / Gaza

War after the October 7 attacks; Gaza, hostages, and a wider regional crisis.

29 Jun 2022

Liturgy

Rome

Francis’s apostolic letter on liturgical formation calls the whole Church to rediscover the beauty of the liturgy.

2022–

Secular

Ukraine / Europe

Full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine; Europe’s largest war since 1945.

10 May 2021

Liturgy

Rome

Francis institutes the lay ministry of catechist, complementary to liturgical ministries around the Mass.

10 Jan 2021

Liturgy

Rome

Motu proprio opens the instituted ministries of lector and acolyte to women as well as men.

16 Jul 2021

Liturgy

Rome

Accompanying letter explains the pastoral reasons for restricting the 1962 Missal and affirming the reformed liturgy.

16 Jul 2021

Liturgy

Rome

Francis restricts use of the 1962 Missal and affirms the liturgical books of Paul VI and John Paul II as the unique expression of the lex orandi of the Roman Rite.

18 Dec 2021

Liturgy

Rome

The Congregation for Divine Worship answers questions on implementing the motu proprio’s norms.

2020–2023

Secular

World

Global pandemic; lockdowns, mass death, and disruption of worship, work, and public life.

3 Oct 2020

Encyclicals

Rome

On fraternity and social friendship in a fragmented world.

3 Sep 2017

Liturgy

Rome

Francis’s motu proprio adjusts canon law so episcopal conferences have greater responsibility for liturgical translations.

24 May 2015

Encyclicals

Rome

On care for our common home — integral ecology, the poor, and creation.

c. 2015

Fathers

A practical parish guide for a communal Holy Hour with Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. It covers vesture and vessels, server notes, the order of Exposition, options for Adoration (Scripture and fervorino, silence, Liturgy of the Hours, Rosary), Benediction with Tantum Ergo and the Divine Praises, and Reposition. Adapted for SanctumNomen from a parish Presider’s Guide circulated as a PDF (c. 2015). Hymns and praises are traditional liturgical forms; the checklists and pastoral suggestions follow the source booklet. Only a priest or deacon may preside at communal Exposition with Benediction.

2013–2025

Popes

Rome

First Jesuit and Latin American pope; synodality and care for the poor.

29 Jun 2013

Encyclicals

Rome

Encyclical on faith begun by Benedict XVI and completed by Francis — the light of faith.

2013

Eucharistic Miracles

Legnica, Poland

Place miracle

27 Nov 2011

Liturgy

English-speaking world

English-speaking countries implement a revised translation of the third typical edition at Mass.

30 Apr 2011

Liturgy

Rome

Instruction clarifies norms for celebrating the 1962 liturgy under Summorum Pontificum.

29 Jun 2009

Encyclicals

Rome

On integral human development in charity and truth in the global economy.

2008

Liturgy

Rome

Corrected reprint of the third typical edition becomes the Latin reference for translators.

2008

Eucharistic Miracles

Sokółka 2008, Poland

Place miracle

22 Feb 2007

Liturgy

Rome

Benedict XVI’s apostolic exhortation on the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Church’s life.

7 Jul 2007

Liturgy

Rome

Benedict XVI liberalizes use of the 1962 Missal as an extraordinary form alongside the Ordinary Form.

30 Nov 2007

Encyclicals

Rome

On Christian hope grounded in God, not in progress alone.

2006

Eucharistic Miracles

Tixtla, Mexico

Place miracle

2005–2013

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013

25 Dec 2005

Encyclicals

Rome

First encyclical of Benedict XVI: God is love — eros, agape, and the Church’s charity.

7 Oct 2004

Liturgy

Rome

Apostolic letter for the Year of the Eucharist urges deeper love for the Mass and adoration.

25 Mar 2004

Liturgy

Rome

Instruction on abuses and norms for the Eucharist reinforces reverence in celebrating and receiving Holy Communion.

2003–2011

Secular

Iraq

Invasion of Iraq and occupation; regime change, insurgency, and lasting regional upheaval.

4 Dec 2003

Liturgy

Rome

John Paul II marks forty years of Sacrosanctum Concilium and calls for a new liturgical spirituality.

17 Apr 2003

Encyclicals

Rome

On the Eucharist in its relationship to the Church — source and summit of ecclesial life.

2002

Liturgy

Rome

The General Instruction is updated with the editio typica tertia, clarifying roles, gestures, and arrangement of the celebration.

2002

Liturgy

Rome

Editio typica tertia of the Ordinary Form Missal; basis for later vernacular translations.

2001–2021

Secular

Afghanistan

U.S.-led intervention after September 11; two decades of war end with Taliban return in 2021.

28 Mar 2001

Liturgy

Rome

Instruction on vernacular translation of liturgical texts calls for greater fidelity to the Latin typical edition.

2001

Secular

United States

Terror in the United States; new conflicts involving the West and the Middle East.

2001

Eucharistic Miracles

Chirattakonam, India

Place miracle

2000

Secular

Rome / World

Millennium celebration of the Incarnation under John Paul II.

2000

Marian Apparition

Sievernich, Germany

Under investigation

31 May 1998

Liturgy

Rome

Apostolic letter on keeping the Lord’s Day, centered on the Sunday Eucharist.

14 Sep 1998

Encyclicals

Rome

On the relationship between faith and reason in the search for truth.

15 Aug 1997

Liturgy

Rome

Instruction on collaboration of the non-ordained in priestly ministry, including liturgical roles.

25 Mar 1995

Encyclicals

Rome

On the value and inviolability of human life — against abortion, euthanasia, and the culture of death.

25 May 1995

Encyclicals

Rome

On commitment to ecumenism and the quest for full Christian unity.

1995

Marian Apparition

Civitavecchia, Italy

Under investigation

1995

Marian Apparition

Civitavecchia, Italy

Under investigation

25 Jan 1994

Liturgy

Rome

Instruction on inculturation of the Roman Rite within the unity of the Latin liturgy.

6 Aug 1993

Encyclicals

Rome

On the splendor of truth and the foundations of the Church’s moral teaching.

1992–1995

Secular

Bosnia and Herzegovina

War in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Sarajevo under siege, ethnic cleansing, Srebrenica.

1992-1994-1996

Eucharistic Miracles

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Place miracle

1992

Marian Apparition

Akwamu, Ghana

Under investigation

1991–1995

Secular

Croatia

War for Croatia’s independence amid the breakup of Yugoslavia; cities under siege, mass displacement.

1991

Secular

Eurasia

End of the Cold War order; religious life reopens in the East.

1 May 1991

Encyclicals

Rome

Hundredth anniversary of Rerum Novarum; reflects on 1989 and the free society under moral truth.

1991

Eucharistic Miracles

Betania, Venezuela

Place miracle

7 Dec 1990

Encyclicals

Rome

On the permanent validity of the Church’s missionary mandate.

1989

Secular

Berlin

Collapse of communist regimes in Central Europe; John Paul II’s era.

2 Jul 1988

Liturgy

Rome

John Paul II urges generous application of norms for the older form of the Roman Rite.

16 Jan 1988

Liturgy

Rome

Circular letter on preparing and celebrating the Paschal feasts, guiding Holy Week and the Triduum.

4 Dec 1988

Liturgy

Rome

John Paul II’s apostolic letter marks twenty-five years of Sacrosanctum Concilium and urges faithful implementation.

25 Mar 1987

Encyclicals

Rome

On the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of the pilgrim Church.

30 Dec 1987

Encyclicals

Rome

On social concern twenty years after Populorum Progressio.

18 May 1986

Encyclicals

Rome

On the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and the world.

2 Jun 1985

Encyclicals

Rome

On Saints Cyril and Methodius and the evangelization of the Slavic peoples.

1985

Marian Apparition

Luiza, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Under investigation

1984

Liturgy

Rome

Bishops may permit celebrations according to the 1962 Missal under limited conditions.

1983

Liturgy

Rome

The revised Code restates norms for celebration, reservation, and the Sunday obligation in the Latin Church.

1983

Marian Apparition

San Nicolás de los Arroyos, Argentina

Bishop approved

1983

Marian Apparition

Varsóvia, Poland

Under investigation

14 Sep 1981

Encyclicals

Rome

On human work, for the ninetieth anniversary of Rerum Novarum.

1981

Marian Apparition

Kibeho, Rwanda

Bishop approved

1981

Marian Apparition

Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Approved devotion

30 Nov 1980

Encyclicals

Rome

On God the Father rich in mercy, revealed in Christ.

1980

Marian Apparition

Cuapa, Nicaragua

Bishop approved

4 Mar 1979

Encyclicals

Rome

First encyclical of John Paul II: Christ the Redeemer as the center of the Church’s mission.

1978–2005

Popes

Rome

1978

Popes

Rome

1976

Marian Apparition

Betania, Venezuela

Bishop approved

1975–1985

Liturgy

Rome

Prayers for Reconciliation and for Masses with Children expand the Missal’s anaphoras.

1975

Liturgy

Rome

A revised editio typica of the post-conciliar Missal incorporates early amendments and new formularies.

1 Nov 1973

Liturgy

Rome

Pastoral norms adapt certain elements of the Mass when many of the assembly are children.

29 Jan 1973

Liturgy

Rome

Instruction widens possibilities for Communion under both kinds and for extraordinary ministers.

1973

Liturgy

Rome / Worldwide

Norms allow instituted or commissioned lay faithful to assist with distribution of Communion when needed.

1973

Marian Apparition

Akita, Japan

Bishop approved

5 Sep 1970

Liturgy

Rome

Instruction guiding implementation of the reformed rites and cautioning against unauthorized experimentation.

post-1970

Liturgy

Rome

The reformed Missal’s additional anaphoras include clear invocations of the Spirit over the gifts and the people.

1970

Liturgy

Rome

The Latin editio typica of the reformed Missal appears for use throughout the Latin Church.

1969–1970

Liturgy

Rome

A vastly expanded cycle of Scripture readings opens the Bible more lavishly at Mass, as Sacrosanctum Concilium asked.

1969

Liturgy

Rome

The liturgical year is reworked: Pre-Lent suppressed, many octaves removed, saints’ rankings simplified.

8 May 1969

Liturgy

Rome

Paul VI establishes a congregation dedicated to the liturgy as the reformed books are promulgated.

25 Jan 1969

Liturgy

Rome

Instruction on liturgical translation guides early vernacular versions of the reformed books.

1969 onward

Liturgy

Worldwide

Some episcopal conferences receive permission for Communion in the hand alongside the traditional manner.

1969 / revisions

Liturgy

Rome

The GIRM explains the structure, roles, and norms of the Ordinary Form celebration of Mass.

1969

Liturgy

Rome

The Order of Readings for Mass establishes the expanded weekday and Sunday lectionary system.

3 Apr 1969

Liturgy

Rome

Apostolic constitution Missale Romanum approves the revised Ordo Missae of the Ordinary Form.

1969

Eucharistic Miracles

San Mauro La Bruca, Italy

Place miracle

1968–1970

Liturgy

Rome

Besides the Roman Canon, additional Eucharistic Prayers enter the Missal for the first time in centuries.

25 Jul 1968

Encyclicals

Rome

On the regulation of birth; reaffirms the Church’s teaching on contraception and married love.

1968

Marian Apparition

Zeitoun, Cairo, Egypt

Bishop approved

25 May 1967

Liturgy

Rome

Instruction on Eucharistic worship links celebration, reservation, and devotion after the Council.

5 Mar 1967

Liturgy

Rome

Instruction on music in the liturgy after Vatican II balances chant, polyphony, and vernacular song.

1967 onward

Liturgy

Latin Church

Restored permanent deacons again proclaim the Gospel, prepare the altar, and distribute Communion at Mass.

4 May 1967

Liturgy

Rome

Further simplifications of the Ordo Missae prepare the way for the new Order of Mass.

1967

Secular

Jerusalem

Israel takes East Jerusalem and the Old City in the June war.

26 Mar 1967

Encyclicals

Rome

On the development of peoples — integral human development and global solidarity.

24 Jun 1967

Encyclicals

Rome

Reaffirms priestly celibacy in the Latin Church after the Council.

1967

Marian Apparition

Natividade, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Under investigation

c. 1965–1970

Liturgy

Worldwide

Many churches rearrange altars so the priest celebrates Mass facing the people, while ad orientem remains lawful.

1964–1967

Liturgy

Worldwide

Episcopal conferences receive wider permission to use the vernacular for readings, orations, and eventually the Canon.

1964–1965

Liturgy

Rome

Sacrosanctum Concilium restores concelebration; a new rite enters the Missal and Pontifical.

7 Mar 1965

Liturgy

Rome / Worldwide

Paul VI celebrates and authorizes early vernacular celebrations as the reformed rites begin to reach parishes.

3 Sep 1965

Liturgy

Rome

Encyclical reaffirms Catholic teaching on the Real Presence amid liturgical change.

1965

Liturgy

Rome

An interim Order of Mass implements early conciliar simplifications before the 1969 Ordo.

3 Sep 1965

Encyclicals

Rome

On the mystery of the Eucharist and the Real Presence amid liturgical renewal.

26 Sep 1964

Liturgy

Rome

First major implementation of liturgical reform: audible Canon doxology, some vernacular, simplified introductory rites.

6 Aug 1964

Encyclicals

Rome

On the Church; develops dialogue with the world during the Second Vatican Council.

1963–1978

Popes

Rome

4 Dec 1963

Liturgy

Vatican

Vatican II’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy calls for reform of the rites and fuller participation of the faithful.

11 Apr 1963

Encyclicals

Rome

Landmark encyclical on peace, human rights, and order among nations, addressed also to “all men of good will.”

1962–1965

Councils

Vatican

Renewal of liturgy, ecumenism, and the Church’s mission in the modern world.

1962–1965

Fathers

Vatican

Renewal of liturgy, ecumenism, and the Church’s mission in the modern world.

1962

Liturgy

Rome

The last typical edition of the Tridentine Missal incorporates the 1960 Code of Rubrics.

15 May 1961

Encyclicals

Rome

On Christianity and social progress — updating the Church’s social teaching for the postwar world.

29 Jun 1959

Encyclicals

Rome

First encyclical of John XXIII: truth, unity, and peace under Peter’s chair.

1958–1963

Popes

Rome

1957

Secular

Rome / Europe

Postwar Western Europe begins economic and political integration.

8 Sep 1957

Encyclicals

Rome

On motion pictures, radio, and television in the service of truth and morals.

15 May 1956

Encyclicals

Rome

On devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as rooted in Scripture and Tradition.

1956

Marian Apparition

La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States

Bishop approved

16 Nov 1955

Liturgy

Rome

Decree restoring the rites of Holy Week — the first major structural reform of the Roman Missal in centuries.

1955

Liturgy

Rome

Major reform of Palm Sunday and the Paschal Triduum; vigils and octaves are curtailed in the calendar.

1955

Marian Apparition

Itaúna, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Under investigation

1954

Marian Apparition

Tarragona, Spain

Under investigation

1953

Marian Apparition

Siracusa, Italy

Bishop approved

1 Nov 1950

Dogmas

Rome

By the apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus, Pius XII defines that Mary, at the end of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.

12 Aug 1950

Encyclicals

Rome

On some false opinions threatening Catholic doctrine; sets limits for theology and science.

1948

Secular

Israel

Modern Israel established; wars and diplomacy reshape the Holy Land.

1948

Eucharistic Miracles

Rosano, Italy

Place miracle

20 Nov 1947

Liturgy

Rome

Encyclical on the sacred liturgy affirms participation of the faithful and papal authority over rites.

20 Nov 1947

Encyclicals

Rome

Encyclical on the sacred liturgy — active participation and the Church’s authority over the rites.

1947

Marian Apparition

Montichiari, Italy

Under investigation

1947

Marian Apparition

Fontanelle di Montichiari, Italy

Under investigation

1946

Marian Apparition

Pfaffenhofen an der Roth, Germany

Under investigation

30 Sep 1943

Encyclicals

Rome

Encourages Catholic biblical studies using original languages and sound historical methods.

29 Jun 1943

Encyclicals

Rome

On the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ — a cornerstone of twentieth-century ecclesiology.

1939–1958

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1939 to 1958

1939–1945

Secular

World / Europe

Global war and the murder of six million Jews; the Church amid totalitarian regimes.

20 Oct 1939

Encyclicals

Rome

First encyclical of Pius XII at the outbreak of World War II; on the unity of human society.

19 Mar 1937

Encyclicals

Rome

On atheistic communism and the Church’s social teaching as the true remedy.

14 Mar 1937

Encyclicals

Rome / Germany

Encyclical smuggled into Nazi Germany; condemns racism and violations of the Concordat.

1936

Marian Apparition

Cimbres (Pesqueira), Pernambuco, Brazil

Bishop approved

1936

Marian Apparition

Wigratzbad, Germany

Bishop approved

1933

Marian Apparition

Banneux, Belgium

Bishop approved

1932

Marian Apparition

Beauraing, Belgium

Bishop approved

1931–1938

Apparition

Poland

Christ asks for the Divine Mercy image, feast, and chaplet.

1931–1938

Marian Apparition

Płock and Kraków, Poland

Holy See recognition

29 Jun 1931

Encyclicals

Rome

Against Fascist persecution of Catholic Action in Italy.

15 May 1931

Encyclicals

Rome

Forty years after Rerum Novarum: social justice, subsidiarity, and critique of unbridled capitalism and socialism.

31 Dec 1930

Encyclicals

Rome

On Christian marriage; rejects contraception and divorce contrary to divine law.

1930

Marian Apparition

Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil

Bishop approved

1929

Secular

Rome

Vatican City State created; the Roman Question settled with Italy.

31 Dec 1929

Encyclicals

Rome

On Christian education of youth — rights of family, Church, and state.

6 Jan 1928

Encyclicals

Rome

On religious unity; cautions against indifferentism in ecumenical efforts of the age.

11 Dec 1925

Encyclicals

Rome

Institutes the feast of Christ the King and teaches His social kingship.

1922–1939

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1922 to 1939

23 Dec 1922

Encyclicals

Rome

First encyclical of Pius XI: true peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ.

23 May 1920

Encyclicals

Rome

On peace and Christian reconciliation after the Great War.

1918

Apparition

San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy

Visible wounds of Christ; lifelong mystical and sacramental ministry.

1917

Liturgy

Rome

The Pio-Benedictine Code states the grave duty to assist at Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation.

1917

Secular

Palestine / Britain

Britain favors a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.

1917

Marian Apparition

Fátima, Portugal

Holy See recognition

1916

Apparition

Fátima, Portugal

An angel prepares the three shepherd children before Our Lady’s appearances.

1916

Eucharistic Miracles

Fatima, Portugal, The Angel of Peace, Our Lady

Our Lady

1914–1922

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1914 to 1922

1914–1918

Secular

Europe / Middle East

Catastrophe of Christian nations; Benedict XV’s peace appeals; Ottoman collapse.

1 Nov 1914

Encyclicals

Rome

First encyclical amid World War I; appeals for peace and charity among nations.

1911–1913

Liturgy

Rome

Office and calendar reforms reshape how feasts relate to the Mass propers across the year.

1 Nov 1911

Liturgy

Rome

Reform of the Breviary and psalter reshapes how the Mass calendar and Office relate through the week.

8 Aug 1910

Liturgy

Rome

Quam singulari encourages children to receive Holy Communion once they reach the age of reason.

25 Aug 1910

Encyclicals

Rome

Letter to the French bishops on the Sillon movement and true Christian social action.

c. 1900–1950

Liturgy

Europe / Worldwide

Pastors and scholars promote fuller participation in the Mass and deeper understanding of the rites.

8 Sep 1907

Encyclicals

Rome

Condemns Modernism as the synthesis of all heresies and mandates safeguards in teaching.

1907

Eucharistic Miracles

Silla, Spain

Place miracle

11 Feb 1906

Encyclicals

Rome

Protests the French law of separation of Church and State.

1906

Eucharistic Miracles

Tumaco, Colombia

Place miracle

15 Apr 1905

Encyclicals

Rome

On the teaching of Christian doctrine and the duty of catechesis.

1904-1955

Eucharistic Miracles

Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa, Saints & Mystics

Saint / mystic

1903–1914

Popes

Rome

22 Nov 1903

Liturgy

Rome

Motu proprio on sacred music restores Gregorian chant and sets norms for music at Mass.

4 Oct 1903

Encyclicals

Rome

Programmatic encyclical: “to restore all things in Christ.”

1878–1903

Saints

Lucca, Italy

Passionist mystic of Lucca; letters of love for the Crucified and obedience under her director Fr. Germano.

1902-1981

Eucharistic Miracles

Servant of God Marthe Robin, Saints & Mystics

Saint / mystic

1902

Eucharistic Miracles

Morne-Rouge, Martinique

Place miracle

1902

Eucharistic Miracles

Saint-André de la Réunion, Reunion Islands

Place miracle

18 Jan 1901

Encyclicals

Rome

On Christian democracy and Catholic social action among the people.

1 Nov 1900

Encyclicals

Rome

On Jesus Christ the Redeemer as the center of history at the Holy Year.

1900

Marian Apparition

Donglu, Hebei, China

Bishop approved

25 May 1899

Encyclicals

Rome

Consecrates the human race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the turn of the century.

1898-1962

Eucharistic Miracles

Teresa Neumann, Saints & Mystics

Saint / mystic

9 May 1897

Encyclicals

Rome

On the Holy Spirit and devotion to the Third Person of the Trinity.

1873–1897

Doctors

Lisieux, France

Doctor of the Church; Story of a Soul and the “little way” of spiritual childhood — Carmelite of Lisieux, the Little Flower.

29 Jun 1896

Encyclicals

Rome

On the unity of the Church founded by Christ upon Peter and the Apostles.

18 Nov 1893

Encyclicals

Rome

On the study of Holy Scripture; opens a new era of Catholic biblical scholarship.

15 May 1891

Encyclicals

Rome

Foundational social encyclical on capital, labor, the family, and the just wage.

10 Jan 1890

Encyclicals

Rome

On the duties of Christians as citizens in the modern state.

1801–1890

Doctors

Oxford / Birmingham

Doctor of the Church; Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine and the Grammar of Assent — convert, cardinal, and teacher of conscience.

20 Jun 1888

Encyclicals

Rome

On true human liberty ordered to truth and the moral law.

1888

Eucharistic Miracles

Lourdes, France, Saint Bernadette, Our Lady

Our Lady

1 Nov 1885

Encyclicals

Rome

On the Christian constitution of states and the Church’s relation to civil society.

20 Apr 1884

Encyclicals

Rome

Condemns Freemasonry and secret societies opposed to the Church’s teaching.

29 Jun 1881

Encyclicals

Rome

On the origin of civil power and the duty of rulers and subjects under God.

10 Feb 1880

Encyclicals

Rome

On Christian marriage as a sacrament instituted by Christ and guarded by the Church.

4 Aug 1879

Encyclicals

Rome

Restores and recommends the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas for the Church’s schools.

1879

Marian Apparition

Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Canada

Bishop approved

1879

Marian Apparition

Knock, Ireland

Bishop approved

1878–1903

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1878 to 1903

1877

Marian Apparition

Gietrzwałd, Poland

Bishop approved

1871

Marian Apparition

Pontmain, France

Bishop approved

18 Jul 1870

Dogmas

Vatican

The First Vatican Council (Pastor Aeternus) defines that the Roman Pontiff, when speaking ex cathedra on faith or morals, is preserved from error by the Holy Spirit.

1870

Secular

Rome

Italian unification completes; the “Roman Question” begins.

1869–1870

Councils

Vatican

Defines papal primacy and infallibility under defined conditions.

1869–1870

Fathers

Vatican

Defines papal primacy and infallibility under defined conditions.

1866-1912

Eucharistic Miracles

Blessed Mary of the Passion, Saints & Mystics

Saint / mystic

1859

Marian Apparition

Champion, United States

Bishop approved

1786–1859

Saints

Ars, France

The Curé of Ars — patron of parish priests; pastoral sermons and catechetical instructions that formed generations of the faithful.

1858

Marian Apparition

Lourdes, France

Bishop approved

8 Dec 1854

Dogmas

Rome

By the bull Ineffabilis Deus, Pius IX solemnly defines that the Blessed Virgin Mary was preserved from all stain of original sin from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace of God in view of the merits of Jesus Christ.

1851

Marian Apparition

Casablanca, Chile

Bishop approved

1851

Marian Apparition

Roma, Italy

Bishop approved

c. 19th c.

Secular

Europe / West

Urbanization and labor reshape society; Rerum Novarum will answer later.

1850

Eucharistic Miracles

Servant of God Anne-Louise Lateau, Saints & Mystics

Saint / mystic

1848

Eucharistic Miracles

San Giovanni Bosco, Saints & Mystics

Saint / mystic

1846–1878

Popes

Rome

1846

Marian Apparition

La Salette-Fallavaux, France

Bishop approved

1831–1846

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1831 to 1846

1830

Eucharistic Miracles

Paris, France, Saint Catherine Labouré, Our Lady

Our Lady

1830

Marian Apparition

Paris, France

Bishop approved

1829–1830

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1829 to 1830

1824

Eucharistic Miracles

Onil, Spain

Place miracle

1823–1829

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1823 to 1829

1822

Eucharistic Miracles

Bordeaux, France

Place miracle

1818

Marian Apparition

Maipú, Chile

Bishop approved

1804–1815

Secular

Europe

Empire, Concordat with Rome, and the remaking of European borders.

1800–1823

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1800 to 1823

1798

Marian Apparition

La Vang, Vietnam

Under investigation

1797

Marian Apparition

Absam, Tirol, Austria

Bishop approved

1789

Secular

France

Dechristianization, martyrdoms, and the modern Church–state crisis in Europe.

1696–1787

Doctors

Naples / Pagani

Doctor of the Church; founder of the Redemptorists — The Glories of Mary and Uniformity with God’s Will; moral theologian and teacher of devotion.

1776

Secular

United States

New republic in the New World; religious liberty and church–state debates.

1775–1799

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1775 to 1799

1774-1824

Eucharistic Miracles

Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, Saints & Mystics

Saint / mystic

1772

Eucharistic Miracles

Patierno (Naples), Italy

Place miracle

1769–1774

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1769 to 1774

1758–1769

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1758 to 1769

1758

Marian Apparition

Fátima, Portugal

Bishop approved

c. 18th c.

Secular

Europe

Reason, critique of tradition, and new political ideals challenge Christian Europe.

c. 1740–1758

Liturgy

Rome

Scholar-pope Benedict XIV clarifies rubrics and feast rankings while defending the Roman Rite’s integrity.

1740–1758

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1740 to 1758

3 Dec 1740

Encyclicals

Rome

Often cited among the first modern papal encyclicals, urging bishops to pastoral vigilance.

1732

Eucharistic Miracles

Scala, Italy

Place miracle

1730–1740

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1730 to 1740

1730

Eucharistic Miracles

Siena, Italy

Place miracle

1724–1730

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1724 to 1730

1721–1724

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1721 to 1724

1717

Marian Apparition

Aparecida, São Paulo, Brazil

Approved devotion

1673–1716

Saints

France

Missionary and Marian doctor of consecration — True Devotion, Secret of Mary, and the Letter to the Friends of the Cross.

1700–1721

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1700 to 1721

1700

Marian Apparition

Arequipa, Peru

Bishop approved

1699

Secular

Sremski Karlovci

Ottomans cede Hungary and much of Croatia and Transylvania; the high tide of Ottoman advance in Europe recedes.

1697

Secular

Zenta (Senta)

Prince Eugene of Savoy routs the Ottomans in the Balkans; path to the Peace of Karlowitz.

1691–1700

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1691 to 1700

1689–1691

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1689 to 1691

1683

Secular

Vienna

Ottoman siege broken by the Holy League; Jan III Sobieski’s charge from the Kahlenberg turns the tide.

1682

Marian Apparition

San Miguel, El Salvador

Bishop approved

1676–1689

Popes

Rome

1674

Apparition

Paray-le-Monial, France

Vision of the Heart of Jesus burning with love amid the Eucharist.

1673–1675

Apparition

Paray-le-Monial, France

Christ reveals His Heart at Paray-le-Monial; First Fridays devotion.

1673–1675

Marian Apparition

Paray-le-Monial, France

Holy See recognition

1670–1676

Popes

Rome

17th-century head of the Catholic Church

1668

Eucharistic Miracles

Les Ulmes, France

Place miracle

1667–1669

Popes

Rome

17th-century head of the Catholic Church

1664

Marian Apparition

Saint-Étienne-le-Laus, France

Bishop approved

1664

Marian Apparition

Laus (região ligada à tradição italiana francófona histórica)

Bishop approved

1657

Eucharistic Miracles

Montserrat, Spain

Place miracle

1656

Eucharistic Miracles

Cava dei Tirreni, Italy

Place miracle

1655–1667

Popes

Rome

17th-century head of the Catholic Church

1652

Marian Apparition

Guanare, Venezuela

Approved devotion

1649

Eucharistic Miracles

Eten, Peru

Place miracle

1648

Secular

Westphalia

Ends the Thirty Years’ War; modern state system in Europe.

1644–1655

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1644 to 1655

1643

Eucharistic Miracles

Pressac, France

Place miracle

1640

Eucharistic Miracles

Calanda, Spain, Miguel-Juan Pellicer, Our Lady

Our Lady

1640

Eucharistic Miracles

Turin, Italy

Place miracle

1635

Marian Apparition

Cartago, Costa Rica

Bishop approved

2 Sep 1634

Liturgy

Rome

Another revised typical edition of the Tridentine Missal becomes the standard for subsequent centuries.

1631

Eucharistic Miracles

Dronero, Italy

Place miracle

1631

Marian Apparition

San Miguel del Milagro, Tlaxcala, Mexico

Bishop approved

1630

Eucharistic Miracles

Canosio, Italy

Place miracle

1630

Marian Apparition

Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Bishop approved

1623–1644

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1623 to 1644

1567–1622

Doctors

Annecy / Geneva

Doctor of the Church; Introduction to the Devout Life — gentle guide to holiness for every state of life.

1621–1623

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1621 to 1623

1542–1621

Doctors

Rome / Capua

Doctor of the Church; Controversies and the Catechism — Jesuit cardinal of the Counter-Reformation.

1559–1619

Doctors

Brindisi / Europe

Doctor of the Church; Apostolic Doctor — Capuchin preacher, Scripture scholar, and diplomat of the Counter-Reformation.

1612

Marian Apparition

El Cobre, Cuba

Bishop approved

1610

Eucharistic Miracles

Rome, Italy

Place miracle

1608

Eucharistic Miracles

Faverney, France

Place miracle

1605–1621

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1605 to 1621

1605

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 1605

7 Jul 1604

Liturgy

Rome

A corrected typical edition of the Roman Missal replaces Pius V’s text for printers and churches.

1604

Eucharistic Miracles

Mogoro, Italy

Place miracle

1600

Marian Apparition

Las Tablas, Panama

Bishop approved

1597

Eucharistic Miracles

Alcalà, Spain

Place miracle

1521–1597

Doctors

Germany / Switzerland

Doctor of the Church; catechisms of the Counter-Reformation — Jesuit apostle of Germany.

1594

Marian Apparition

El Cisne, Loja, Ecuador

Bishop approved

1594

Marian Apparition

Quito, Ecuador

Bishop approved

1592–1605

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1592 to 1605

1591

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 1591

1542–1591

Doctors

Spain

Doctor of the Church; Ascent of Mount Carmel, Dark Night of the Soul, and the Spiritual Canticle — Carmelite reformer and mystic poet.

1590–1591

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1590 to 1591

1590

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 1590

1589

Eucharistic Miracles

Saint Germaine Cousin (Pibrac), Saints & Mystics

Saint / mystic

1588

Liturgy

Rome

Sixtus V creates the Congregation to oversee the liturgy, canonizations, and sacred rites of the Latin Church.

1586

Marian Apparition

Chiquinquirá, Colombia

Bishop approved

1585–1590

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1585 to 1590

1515–1582

Doctors

Ávila / Spain

Doctor of the Church; Interior Castle, Way of Perfection, and the reform of Carmel — a teacher of prayer and the mystical life.

1572–1585

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1572 to 1585

1572

Eucharistic Miracles

Gorkum-El Escorial, Spain

Place miracle

1571

Secular

Gulf of Patras

Holy League fleet under Don John of Austria defeats the Ottoman navy; Pius V institutes Our Lady of the Rosary.

14 Jul 1570

Liturgy

Rome

The Tridentine Missal is mandated for the Latin Church, except for rites with at least two centuries of continuous use.

1570

Eucharistic Miracles

Veroli, Italy

Place miracle

1570

Marian Apparition

Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, India

Bishop approved

1499–1569

Doctors

Andalusia

Doctor of the Church; Audi, filia and apostolic preaching in sixteenth-century Spain.

1568

Eucharistic Miracles

Alcoy, Spain

Place miracle

1566–1572

Popes

Rome

1566

Liturgy

Rome

The Catechism of the Council of Trent teaches the faithful the meaning of the Mass and Holy Communion.

1565

Secular

Malta

Knights Hospitaller under Jean de Valette hold the island against Suleiman’s fleet and army.

1562–1563

Liturgy

Trent

Trent defends the sacrificial nature of the Mass and calls for a purified, uniform Roman Missal.

1560–1565

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1559 to 1565

1560

Eucharistic Miracles

Morrovalle, Italy

Place miracle

1491–1556

Saints

Spain / Rome

Founder of the Society of Jesus; the Spiritual Exercises and Autobiography — school of discernment and finding God in all things.

1555–1559

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1555 to 1559

1555

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 1555

1551

Dogmas

Trent

Trent reaffirms that in the Eucharist the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine.

1550-1568

Eucharistic Miracles

Saint Stanislaus Kostka, Saints & Mystics

Saint / mystic

1550–1555

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1550 to 1555

1547

Dogmas

Trent

Trent teaches that justification is God’s gracious gift through Christ, received by faith and Baptism, and that man truly cooperates under grace.

1547

Dogmas

Trent

Trent confirms that Christ instituted seven sacraments of the New Law: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

1546

Dogmas

Trent

The Council of Trent solemnly lists the inspired books of the Old and New Testaments received by the Church as the biblical canon.

1546

Dogmas

Trent

Trent defines that Adam’s sin wounded human nature and is transmitted to all, and that Baptism remits original sin.

1545–1563

Councils

Trent

Catholic Reformation: Scripture and Tradition, the sacraments, seminary reform.

1545–1563

Fathers

Trent

Catholic Reformation: Scripture and Tradition, the sacraments, seminary reform.

1541

Marian Apparition

Tlaxcala, Mexico

Bishop approved

1535

Eucharistic Miracles

Asti, Italy

Place miracle

1534–1549

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1534 to 1549

1533

Eucharistic Miracles

Marseille-En-Beauvais, France

Place miracle

1533

Eucharistic Miracles

Ponferrada, Spain

Place miracle

1531

Eucharistic Miracles

Guadalupe, Mexico, Juan Diego, Our Lady

Our Lady

1531

Marian Apparition

Mexico City, Mexico

Holy See recognition

1529

Secular

Vienna

Suleiman fails to take the Habsburg capital; Ottoman expansion into Western Europe is checked for a time.

1526

Secular

Mohács, Hungary

Hungarian army destroyed; King Louis II dies; much of Hungary falls under Ottoman rule.

1523–1534

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1523 to 1534

1522–1523

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1522 to 1523

1521

Secular

Belgrade

Suleiman the Magnificent opens the path into Hungary and Central Europe.

1517

Secular

Wittenberg

Protestant Reformation begins; Catholic reform answers at Trent.

1517

Eucharistic Miracles

Salzano, Italy

Place miracle

1513–1521

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1513 to 1521

1512–1517

Councils

Rome

Church reform on the eve of the Reformation; condemns conciliarism.

1512–1517

Fathers

Rome

Church reform on the eve of the Reformation; condemns conciliarism.

1447–1510

Saints

Genoa, Italy

Mystic of divine love and hospital servant of Genoa; Spiritual Dialogue and Treatise on Purgatory.

1503–1513

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1503 to 1513

1503

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 1503

1500

Marian Apparition

Higüey, Dominican Republic

Bishop approved

1498

Marian Apparition

Sernancelhe, Portugal

Bishop approved

1492–1503

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1492 to 1503

1492

Secular

Atlantic / Americas

Atlantic world opens; evangelization and empire reshape global history.

1492

Secular

Spain

Alhambra Decree; Sephardic diaspora after the Reconquista.

1492

Secular

Granada, Spain

Last Muslim kingdom in Spain surrenders to Ferdinand and Isabella; the Reconquista ends.

1484–1492

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1484 to 1492

c. 1474

Liturgy

Italy / Europe

Printing spreads standard Mass texts quickly, preparing the way for a uniform Tridentine edition.

1472

Eucharistic Miracles

Volterra, Italy

Place miracle

1471–1484

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1471 to 1484

1464–1471

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1464 to 1471

1461

Eucharistic Miracles

La Rochelle, France

Place miracle

1458–1464

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1458 to 1464

1456

Secular

Belgrade

John Hunyadi and St. John of Capistrano repel Mehmed II; the noon Angelus recalls the victory.

1455–1458

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1455 to 1458

1453

Secular

Constantinople

Mehmed II takes the city; the Byzantine Empire ends; Ottoman power dominates the eastern Mediterranean.

1453

Eucharistic Miracles

Turin, Italy

Place miracle

c. 1450

Secular

Mainz

Moveable type multiplies books, Bibles, and controversy across Europe.

1447–1455

Popes

Rome

Head of Catholic Church from 1447 to 1455

1447

Eucharistic Miracles

Ettiswil, Switzerland

Place miracle

1444

Secular

Varna

Władysław III of Poland and Hungary dies facing Murad II; a major Christian reverse in the Balkans.

1439–1449

Popes

Lausanne

Antipope · Lausanne. Last major historical antipope.

1439

Dogmas

Florence

The Council of Florence solemnly teaches the Filioque: the Holy Spirit proceeds eternally from the Father and the Son as from one principle.

1439

Dogmas

Florence

Florence affirms that souls dying in God’s grace but still imperfectly purified undergo purifying punishment, and that the living may aid them by prayer, Mass, and alms.

1434

Marian Apparition

Salamanca, Spain

Bishop approved

1433

Eucharistic Miracles

Avignon, France

Place miracle

1431–1447

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1431 to 1447

1431–1445

Councils

Florence

Union decrees with Eastern churches; teaching on the Filioque and purgatory.

1431–1445

Fathers

Florence

Union decrees with Eastern churches; teaching on the Filioque and purgatory.

1430–1437

Popes

Avignon

Antipope · Avignon line. Another claimant using the same name in the disputed line.

1430

Eucharistic Miracles

Dijon, France

Place miracle

1429

Eucharistic Miracles

Alkmaar, Netherlands

Place miracle

1427

Eucharistic Miracles

Zaragoza, Spain

Place miracle

1424–1429

Popes

Avignon

Antipope · Avignon line. Avignon claimant; disputed line.

1423–1429

Popes

Avignon

Antipope · Avignon line. Avignon claimant after Benedict XIII.

1421

Eucharistic Miracles

Bergen, Netherlands

Place miracle

1420

Eucharistic Miracles

Guadalupe, Spain

Place miracle

1417–1431

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1417 to 1431

1417

Eucharistic Miracles

Erding, Germany

Place miracle

1417

Eucharistic Miracles

St. Nicholas of Flue, Saints & Mystics

Saint / mystic

1414–1418

Councils

Constance

Ends the Western Schism; elects Martin V.

1414–1418

Fathers

Constance

Ends the Western Schism; elects Martin V.

1412

Eucharistic Miracles

Bagno di Romagna, Italy

Place miracle

1412

Eucharistic Miracles

Herentals, Belgium

Place miracle

1411

Eucharistic Miracles

Ludbreg, Croatia

Place miracle

1411

Eucharistic Miracles

Weiten-Raxendorf, Austria

Place miracle

1410–1415

Popes

Pisa

Antipope · Pisa line. Pisan claimant; reclassified as antipope.

1409–1410

Popes

Pisa

Antipope · Pisa line. Pisan claimant; reclassified as antipope.

1406–1415

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1406 to 1415

1405

Eucharistic Miracles

Bois-Seigneur-Isaac, Belgium

Place miracle

1404–1406

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1404 to 1406

1400

Eucharistic Miracles

Boxmeer, Netherlands

Place miracle

1399

Eucharistic Miracles

Poznan, Poland

Place miracle

1396

Secular

Nicopolis (Bulgaria)

Crusade of Western and Hungarian forces crushed by Bayezid I on the Danube.

1394–1423

Popes

Avignon

Antipope · Avignon line. Avignon claimant during the Western Schism.

1392

Eucharistic Miracles

Moncada, Spain

Place miracle

1389–1404

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1389 to 1404

1389

Secular

Kosovo

Serbian and allied forces meet the Ottomans on the Field of Blackbirds; both leaders fall; Ottoman pressure on the Balkans hardens.

1384

Eucharistic Miracles

Seefeld, Austria

Place miracle

1383

Eucharistic Miracles

Wilsnack, Germany

Place miracle

1380

Eucharistic Miracles

Boxtel-Hoogstraten, Netherlands

Place miracle

1347–1380

Doctors

Siena / Rome

Doctor of the Church; the Dialogue and letters — Dominican tertiary, mystic, and counselor of popes in the age of Avignon and the Schism.

1378–1394

Popes

Avignon

Antipope · Avignon line. Avignon claimant during the Western Schism.

1378–1389

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1378 to 1389

1374

Eucharistic Miracles

Middleburg-Lovanio, Belgium

Place miracle

1374

Eucharistic Miracles

Liège, Belgium

Place miracle

1371–1378

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1370 to 1378

1370

Eucharistic Miracles

Cimballa, Spain

Place miracle

1370

Eucharistic Miracles

Brussels, Belgium

Place miracle

1362–1370

Popes

Rome

1356

Eucharistic Miracles

Macerata, Italy

Place miracle

1354

Secular

Gallipoli

Ottoman foothold at Gallipoli; the long advance into the Balkans begins.

1353–1362

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1352 to 1362

1348

Eucharistic Miracles

Alboraya-Almacéra, Spain

Place miracle

1347-1380

Eucharistic Miracles

Saint Catherine of Siena, Saints & Mystics

Saint / mystic

1347–1351

Secular

Europe

Plague devastates Christendom; shapes piety, art, and social order.

1345

Eucharistic Miracles

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Place miracle

1345

Eucharistic Miracles

Krakow, Poland

Place miracle

1342–1352

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1342 to 1352

1342

Eucharistic Miracles

Stiphout, Netherlands

Place miracle

1336

Dogmas

Avignon

By the constitution Benedictus Deus, Benedict XII teaches that the souls of the just see the divine essence face to face after death (and purification, if needed), before the general resurrection.

1335–1342

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1334 to 1342

1331

Eucharistic Miracles

Blanot, France

Place miracle

1330

Eucharistic Miracles

Cascia, Italy

Place miracle

1330

Eucharistic Miracles

Walldürn, Germany

Place miracle

1328–1330

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition to John XXII.

1317

Eucharistic Miracles

Herkenrode-Hasselt, Belgium

Place miracle

1316–1334

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1316 to 1334

1311–1312

Councils

Vienne

Suppresses the Knights Templar; treats of Church reform and the crusade.

1311–1312

Fathers

Vienne

Suppresses the Knights Templar; treats of Church reform and the crusade.

1310

Eucharistic Miracles

Fiecht, Austria

Place miracle

1305–1314

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1305 to 1314

1303–1304

Popes

Rome

1256–1302

Saints

Helfta, Saxony

Benedictine mystic of Helfta; the Preces Gertrudianae tradition of prayers to the Heart of Jesus, the Trinity, and the holy souls.

c. 13th–15th c.

Liturgy

Western Europe

Priests increasingly use a single book with all Mass texts — the ancestor of the printed Roman Missal.

1300

Eucharistic Miracles

Breda-Niervaart, Netherlands

Place miracle

1300

Eucharistic Miracles

O'Cebreiro, Spain

Place miracle

1297

Eucharistic Miracles

Gerona, Spain

Place miracle

1295–1303

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1294 to 1303

1294

Popes

Rome

1294

Eucharistic Miracles

Gruaro (Valvasone), Italy

Place miracle

1294

Marian Apparition

Loreto, Italy

Bishop approved

1291

Secular

Acre, Holy Land

Mamluks take the last major Crusader stronghold; the Latin East ends.

1290

Eucharistic Miracles

Glotowo, Poland

Place miracle

1290

Eucharistic Miracles

Paris, France

Place miracle

1288–1292

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1288 to 1292

1285–1287

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1285 to 1287

1281–1285

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1281 to 1285

1280

Eucharistic Miracles

Kranenburg, Germany

Place miracle

c. 1200–1280

Doctors

Cologne / Paris

Doctor of the Church; teacher of Aquinas — natural philosophy and theology in the Dominican schools.

1277–1280

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1277 to 1280

1276–1277

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1276 to 1277

1276

Popes

Rome

1276

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 1276

1274

Councils

Lyons

Attempted reunion with the East; death of St. Thomas Aquinas en route.

1221–1274

Doctors

Paris / Lyon

Doctor Seraphicus; Journey of the Mind Into God — Franciscan theology and mystical ascent.

1274

Fathers

Lyons

Attempted reunion with the East; death of St. Thomas Aquinas en route.

1225–1274

Doctors

Italy / France

Doctor Angelicus; Summa Theologiae and the synthesis of faith and reason in the medieval schools.

1273-1280

Eucharistic Miracles

Offida, Italy

Place miracle

1271–1276

Popes

Rome

1265–1268

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1265 to 1268

1264

Liturgy

Orvieto / Rome

Urban IV extends the feast of the Body of Christ to the universal Church, fostering Eucharistic devotion outside Mass.

1264

Eucharistic Miracles

Bolsena, Italy

Place miracle

1261–1264

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1261 to 1264

1257

Eucharistic Miracles

Neuvy Saint Sepulcre, France

Place miracle

c. 1256

Liturgy

Western Europe

The Order of Preachers consolidates its own Mass and Office use, later protected as a rite of venerable antiquity.

1255

Eucharistic Miracles

Regensburg, Germany

Place miracle

1254–1261

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1254 to 1261

1254

Eucharistic Miracles

Douai, France

Place miracle

1251

Eucharistic Miracles

S. John of the Abbesses, Spain

Place miracle

c. 13th c.

Secular

Europe

Paris, Bologna, Oxford — scholastic learning at the heart of Christendom.

1247

Eucharistic Miracles

Santarém, Portugal

Place miracle

1245

Councils

Lyons

Deposes Frederick II; seeks aid for the Holy Land and the Eastern Empire.

1245

Fathers

Lyons

Deposes Frederick II; seeks aid for the Holy Land and the Eastern Empire.

1243–1254

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1243 to 1254

1241

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 1241

1240

Eucharistic Miracles

Saint Clare of Assisi, Italy

Place miracle

1239

Eucharistic Miracles

Daroca, Spain

Place miracle

1231

Eucharistic Miracles

Caravaca de la Cruz, Spain

Place miracle

1195–1231

Doctors

Padua / Portugal

Doctor of the Church; Evangelical Doctor — Franciscan preacher whose sermons and Scripture teaching shaped popular devotion.

1230-1595

Eucharistic Miracles

Florence, Italy

Place miracle

1228

Eucharistic Miracles

Alatri, Italy

Place miracle

1227–1241

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1227 to 1241

1227

Eucharistic Miracles

Rimini, Italy

Place miracle

1181–1226

Saints

Assisi, Italy

Founder of the Friars Minor; Rules, Testament, Admonitions, and the Canticle of the Sun — poverty, peace, and praise of the Creator.

1224-1274

Eucharistic Miracles

Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saints & Mystics

Saint / mystic

1222-1465

Eucharistic Miracles

Meerssen, Netherlands

Place miracle

c. 13th c.

Liturgy

Rome

The papal court’s missal becomes a model for Franciscan and later Roman books before Trent.

1216–1227

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1216 to 1227

1216

Eucharistic Miracles

Benningen, Germany

Place miracle

1215

Dogmas

Rome

The Fourth Lateran Council defines that in the Eucharist the bread and wine are truly changed into the Body and Blood of Christ.

1215

Liturgy

Rome

The Fourth Lateran Council requires the faithful to confess and receive Communion at least at Easter.

1215

Secular

Runnymede, England

English barons limit royal power; a landmark of Western constitutional tradition.

1215

Councils

Rome

Defines transubstantiation; reforms clergy and the sacraments; calls a crusade.

1215

Fathers

Rome

Defines transubstantiation; reforms clergy and the sacraments; calls a crusade.

1212

Secular

Andalusia, Spain

Christian kings of Castile, Aragon, and Navarre break Almohad power in Spain.

1203

Eucharistic Miracles

Bruges, Belgium

Place miracle

c. 12th–13th c.

Liturgy

Western Europe

The custom of elevating the consecrated Host for the people’s adoration becomes widespread in the West.

1200

Marian Apparition

La Rioja, Spain

Bishop approved

1198–1216

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1198 to 1216

1194

Eucharistic Miracles

Augsburg, Germany

Place miracle

1191–1198

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1191 to 1198

1188–1191

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1187 to 1191

1187

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 1187

1185–1187

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1185 to 1187

1182

Marian Apparition

Nazaré, Portugal

Bishop approved

1181–1185

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1181 to 1185

1179–1180

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition to Alexander III; not the later canonical Innocent III.

1179

Councils

Rome

Requires a two-thirds majority of cardinals for a papal election; reforms against Waldensians and Cathars.

1098–1179

Doctors

Bingen / Rupertsberg

Doctor of the Church; Scivias and visionary theology — Benedictine abbess, composer, and prophet.

1179

Fathers

Rome

Requires a two-thirds majority of cardinals for a papal election; reforms against Waldensians and Cathars.

1171

Eucharistic Miracles

Ferrara, Italy

Place miracle

1168–1178

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition to Alexander III; not the later canonical Callixtus III.

1164–1168

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition to Alexander III.

1159–1181

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1159 to 1181

1159–1164

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Imperial antipope in opposition to Alexander III.

c. 1070–1157

Saints

Igny, France

Blessed Cistercian abbot of Igny, disciple of St. Bernard; liturgical sermons for the year — Advent to All Saints.

1154–1159

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1154 to 1159

1153–1154

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1153 to 1154

1090–1153

Doctors

Clairvaux

Doctor of the Church; On Loving God and the Cistercian renewal — mellifluous doctor of charity.

1145–1153

Popes

Rome

1144–1145

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1144 to 1145

1143–1144

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1143 to 1144

1139

Councils

Rome

Ends the schism of Anacletus; legislates against clerical incontinence and simony.

1139

Fathers

Rome

Ends the schism of Anacletus; legislates against clerical incontinence and simony.

1138

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Successor in the Anacletus line.

1130–1143

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1130 to 1143

1130–1138

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition to Innocent II.

1125–1130

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1124 to 1130

1125

Eucharistic Miracles

Bettbrunn, Germany

Place miracle

1124

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Claimant after Callixtus II; not the later canonical Celestine II.

1123

Councils

Rome

Confirms the Concordat of Worms; reforms investiture and clerical discipline.

1123

Fathers

Rome

Confirms the Concordat of Worms; reforms investiture and clerical discipline.

1119–1124

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1119 to 1124

1118–1121

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition to Gelasius II and Callixtus II.

1118–1119

Popes

Rome

1033–1109

Doctors

Bec / Canterbury

Doctor of the Church; Proslogion and Cur Deus Homo — faith seeking understanding.

1105–1111

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition to Paschal II.

1101

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In the Clement III line.

1100–1101

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In the Clement III line.

c. 12th c. onward

Liturgy

Grande Chartreuse / Order

The Carthusian Order preserves a distinctive austere Mass and Office use of great antiquity.

c. 11th–13th c.

Liturgy

Western Europe

Daily private Masses multiply; missals combining sacramentary, lectionary, and gradual become common for priests.

1099–1118

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1099 to 1118

1099

Secular

Jerusalem

Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem established in the Holy Land.

1095

Secular

Clermont

Urban II at Clermont calls for the liberation of the Holy Land.

1088–1099

Popes

Rome

1086–1087

Popes

Rome

1080–1100

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Antipope Guibert; in opposition to Gregory VII and successors.

1073–1085

Popes

Rome

1007–1072

Doctors

Ravenna / Fonte Avellana

Doctor of the Church; Liber Gomorrhianus and letters — Benedictine reformer, cardinal, and fierce preacher of clerical discipline.

1071

Secular

Anatolia

Seljuk victory opens Anatolia to Turkish settlement and weakens Byzantium before the Crusades.

1066

Secular

England

Battle of Hastings; Anglo-Norman realm reshapes the British Isles.

1061–1073

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1061 to 1073

1061–1072

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Antipope Cadalus; in opposition to Alexander II.

1059–1061

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1059 to 1061

1058–1059

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Excluded from canonical list and modeled here as antipope.

1057–1058

Popes

Rome

1055–1057

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1055 to 1057

1054

Secular

Constantinople / Rome

Legates of Leo IX and Patriarch Michael Cerularius exchange mutual excommunications; the breach between Rome and Constantinople deepens into lasting schism.

1049–1054

Popes

Rome

1048

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 1048

1047–1048

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church variously from 1032 to 1048

1047

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1046 to 1047

1045–1047

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1045 to 1046

1045

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 1045

1045

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church variously from 1032 to 1048

1032–1044

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church variously from 1032 to 1048

1024–1032

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1024 to 1032

1014–1018

Secular

Balkans

The Macedonian emperor ends the First Bulgarian Empire; Byzantium reaches a medieval high-water mark in the Balkans.

1012–1024

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1012 to 1024

1012

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition to Benedict VIII; not the later canonical Gregory VI.

1010

Eucharistic Miracles

Ivorra, Spain

Place miracle

1009–1012

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1009 to 1012

1003–1009

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 1004 to 1009

1003

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 1003

c. 951–1003

Doctors

Narek, Armenia

Doctor of the Church; Book of Lamentations — Armenian mystical prayer and theology.

c. 10th–12th c.

Liturgy

Cluny / Western Europe

Cluny’s solemn monastic Mass and Office radiate ceremonial and musical norms across Latin Christendom.

c. 10th–11th c.

Liturgy

Western Europe

Psalm 42 and the Confiteor open the Mass in the medieval Roman–Frankish Ordo still printed in 1962.

c. 1000

Secular

Central Europe

Baptism and coronation of rulers in Hungary, Poland, and neighboring lands.

999–1003

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 999 to 1003

997–998

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Antipope whose numbering affected later John numbering.

996–999

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 996 to 999

988

Secular

Kyiv

Prince Vladimir accepts Byzantine Christianity; Kyiv and the Rus’ enter the Orthodox world centered on Constantinople.

985–996

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 985 to 996

984–985

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Antipope whose numbering affected later Boniface numbering.

983–984

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 983 to 984

974–983

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 974 to 983

974

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Antipope whose numbering affected later Boniface numbering.

973–974

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 973 to 974

965–972

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 965 to 972

964–965

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 964 to 965

964

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 964

955–964

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 955 to 964

946–955

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 946 to 955

942–946

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 942 to 946

939–942

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 939 to 942

936–939

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 936 to 939

931–935

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 931 to 935

929–931

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 929 to 931

928

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 928 to 929

914–928

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 914 to 928

913–914

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 913 to 914

911–913

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 911 to 913

904–911

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 904 to 911

903–904

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Formerly treated by some lists as pope; removed from the official succession.

903–904

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 903

900–903

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 900 to 903

c. 9th–11th c.

Liturgy

Western Europe

Private prayers at the offering of bread and wine enrich the Roman Ordo Missae in Frankish and later Roman books.

898–900

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 898 to 900

897

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 897

897

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 897

896–897

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 896 to 897

896

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 896

891–896

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 891 to 896

885–891

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 885 to 891

884–885

Popes

Rome

882–884

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 882 to 884

7 June 879

Secular

Croatia / Rome

Pope John VIII blesses Duke Branimir and the Croatian people, affirming their communion with Rome after earlier evangelization from the 7th century.

872–882

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 872 to 882

869–870

Councils

Constantinople

Settles the Photian controversy; last of the councils received by both East and West before the schism.

869–870

Fathers

Constantinople

Settles the Photian controversy; last of the councils received by both East and West before the schism.

867–872

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 867 to 872

863–867

Secular

Constantinople / Rome

Conflict over Patriarch Photius and jurisdiction in Bulgaria strains communion between Rome and Constantinople — a foreshadowing of 1054.

c. 862–885

Secular

Great Moravia

Byzantine brothers bring the Gospel and a Slavic liturgy to Moravia; their work seeds the conversion of the Slavs.

858–867

Popes

Rome

855–858

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 855 to 858

855

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition to Benedict III.

c. 9th c.

Liturgy

Carolingian Empire

Gallican and Roman elements merge; private priestly prayers and expanded ceremonial enter the Roman Mass books.

847–855

Popes

Rome

846

Secular

Rome

Muslim raiders sack St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Outside the Walls; Leo IV later fortifies the Leonine City.

844–847

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 844 to 847

844

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Claimant against Sergius II; not the later canonical John VIII.

843

Secular

Constantinople

Under Empress Theodora, iconoclasm is finally ended in Byzantium; the Sunday of Orthodoxy commemorates the restoration of the holy images.

827–844

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 827 to 844

827

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 827

824–827

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 824 to 827

817–824

Popes

Rome

816–817

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 816 to 817

c. 800

Liturgy

Carolingian court

Frankish scholars expand the Roman sacramentary with formularies needed for pastoral life north of the Alps.

c. medieval

Liturgy

Western Europe

In the Roman Rite the Canon is long recited silently by the priest, with the people’s participation through signs and devotion.

800

Secular

Rome

Leo III crowns Charles in St. Peter’s; a Western imperial title rivals Constantinople’s claim to sole Roman emperorship.

796–816

Popes

Rome

c. late 8th c.

Liturgy

Rome / Aachen

Under Charlemagne, a Roman sacramentary associated with St. Gregory the Great shapes Frankish liturgical books.

787

Dogmas

Nicaea

The Second Council of Nicaea restores and defines the legitimate veneration of icons, distinguishing honor given to images from worship due to God alone.

787

Councils

Nicaea

Restores the veneration of holy images.

787

Fathers

Nicaea

Restores the veneration of holy images.

c. 785–790

Liturgy

Rome / Aachen

Pope Hadrian I sends a Gregorian sacramentary north; it becomes the core of Carolingian Mass books.

772–795

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 772 to 795

768–772

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 768 to 772

768

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Claimant installed briefly during the same crisis.

767–768

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition before Stephen III.

757–767

Popes

Rome

752–757

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 752 to 757

751

Secular

Ravenna

Lombards take Ravenna; Byzantine political power in northern Italy ends. The papacy turns more decisively toward the Franks.

c. 5th–8th c.

Liturgy

Gaul

Non-Roman Western liturgies in Gaul leave traces in later Frankish–Roman books before largely yielding to Roman use.

c. 8th c.

Liturgy

Rome / Frankish lands

A major Roman–Frankish sacramentary tradition gathers Mass formularies used across the West.

750 D.C.

Eucharistic Miracles

Lanciano, Italy

Place miracle

c. 675–749

Doctors

Damascus / Mar Saba

Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith; defense of icons.

741–752

Popes

Rome

c. 673–735

Doctors

Jarrow

Ecclesiastical History of the English People; biblical teacher.

732

Secular

Gaul

Charles Martel halts a major Muslim advance into Frankish Gaul.

731–741

Popes

Rome

c. 726–730

Secular

Constantinople

Emperor Leo III forbids the veneration of icons; a century of conflict over sacred images opens in the East.

c. 722

Secular

Asturias, Spain

Asturian victory traditionally marks the beginning of the Reconquista in the north of Spain.

717–718

Secular

Constantinople

Leo III and the city’s defenses, with Greek fire and a harsh winter, turn back the Umayyad assault — a decisive check on Arab advance into Europe.

715–731

Popes

Rome

711–718

Secular

Iberia

Umayyad armies cross from North Africa; Visigothic Spain falls after Guadalete. Al-Andalus begins.

708–715

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 708 to 715

c. 708

Apparition

Normandy, France

Bishop Aubert commanded to build a shrine on the tidal mount.

708

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 708

c. 708

Marian Apparition

Mont Saint-Michel, France

Approved devotion

705–707

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 705 to 707

701–705

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 701 to 705

c. 7th–8th c.

Liturgy

Rome

Detailed ceremonial directions for a solemn papal Mass become a model for the Western Ordo Missae.

687–701

Popes

Rome

687

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Claimant during the disputed election after Conon.

687

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Claimant during the disputed election after Conon.

686–687

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 686 to 687

685–686

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 685 to 686

684–685

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 684 to 685

682–683

Popes

Rome

681

Dogmas

Constantinople

The Third Council of Constantinople teaches that Christ has a divine will and a human will, in perfect harmony — rejecting monothelitism.

680–681

Councils

Constantinople

Affirms two wills in Christ; rejects monothelitism.

680–681

Fathers

Constantinople

Affirms two wills in Christ; rejects monothelitism.

678–681

Popes

Rome

676–678

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 676 to 678

672–676

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 672 to 676

c. 580–662

Fathers

Constantinople

Two wills in Christ; suffering for Chalcedonian faith.

657–672

Popes

Rome

656–657

Popes

Rome

649–655

Popes

Rome

c. 579–649

Fathers

Mount Sinai

Ladder of Divine Ascent; Sinai monastic wisdom.

642–649

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 642 to 649

639–642

Secular

Egypt

Alexandria and the Nile valley fall to the Rashidun caliphate; Byzantium loses its Egyptian granary and the ancient see of Alexandria.

640–642

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 640 to 642

640

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 640

638

Secular

Jerusalem

The Holy City passes under Islamic rule; Christian and Jewish communities remain.

636

Secular

Syria

Arab victory ends Byzantine rule in Syria; the Levant opens to the caliphate.

c. 560–636

Doctors

Seville

Etymologies; last of the Western Fathers in many reckonings.

c. 629–630

Secular

Jerusalem

After defeating the Persians, Emperor Heraclius returns the True Cross to Jerusalem — a triumph celebrated in East and West.

626

Secular

Constantinople

While Heraclius campaigns in the East, the capital holds. Tradition links the city’s deliverance to the Mother of God and the Akathist hymn.

625–638

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 625 to 638

622

Secular

Arabia

Muhammad’s migration to Medina; centuries of encounter with Christian lands begin.

619–625

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 619 to 625

615–618

Popes

Rome

614

Secular

Jerusalem

Sasanian forces capture the Holy City; the True Cross is carried into Persia. A devastation remembered across Christendom.

608–615

Popes

Rome

607

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church in 607

604–606

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 604 to 606

c. 540–604

Doctors

Rome

Pastoral Care; Dialogues; Moralia; doctor and pope.

c. 590–604

Liturgy

Rome

Gregory organizes Roman chant and liturgical practice; later ages link the Roman Canon and sacramentary to his name.

c. 6th–11th c.

Liturgy

Spain

The ancient liturgy of Spain continues in Toledo and beyond, distinct from the Roman Missal.

c. 536–c. 594

Fathers

Antioch

Ecclesiastical History — church history from Ephesus into the late sixth century.

590–604

Popes

Rome

Pastoral care, Gregorian chant tradition, mission to the English.

c. 590

Marian Apparition

Rome (Castel Sant'Angelo), Italy

Approved devotion

c. 485–c. 585

Fathers

Squillace

Institutions of Divine and Secular Learning; Vivarium monastic library.

579–590

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 579 to 590

575–579

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 575 to 579

568

Secular

Italy

Alboin’s Lombards overrun the peninsula; Byzantine Italy shrinks to Ravenna, Rome, and coastal strongholds.

561–574

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 561 to 574

556–561

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 556 to 561

553

Councils

Constantinople

Condemns the Three Chapters; reaffirms Chalcedon.

553

Fathers

Constantinople

Condemns the Three Chapters; reaffirms Chalcedon.

c. 6th–7th c.

Liturgy

Rome / Verona

The oldest surviving Roman sacramentary collection preserves early Mass prayers attributed to the Leonine tradition.

c. 480–547

Fathers

Monte Cassino

Rule of St. Benedict; father of Western monasticism.

533–554

Secular

Africa / Italy

Belisarius and Narses reclaim North Africa from the Vandals and much of Italy from the Ostrogoths; Byzantine rule returns to Rome and Ravenna.

537–555

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 537 to 555

27 Dec 537

Secular

Constantinople

After the Nika revolt, Justinian rebuilds the Great Church of Holy Wisdom — the architectural heart of Byzantine Christendom.

536–537

Popes

Rome

535–536

Popes

Rome

533–535

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 533 to 535

c. 467–533

Fathers

Ruspe

North African bishop; grace and the Trinity after Augustine.

530–532

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 530 to 532

530

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition to Boniface II.

527–565

Secular

Constantinople

Emperor Justinian codifies Roman law; the Digest and Code shape later Christian Europe.

526–530

Popes

Rome

c. 480–524

Fathers

Rome / Pavia

Consolation of Philosophy; translator of Aristotle — bridge of antiquity and the Middle Ages.

523–526

Popes

Rome

514–523

Popes

Rome

498–514

Popes

Rome

498–506

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition to Symmachus.

496–498

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 496 to 498

d. c. 496

Fathers

Marseille

De Viris Illustribus; continuation of Jerome’s catalog of writers.

492–496

Popes

Rome

c. 490

Apparition

Monte Gargano, Italy

Archangel Michael indicates the cave sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo.

c. 490

Marian Apparition

Monte Sant'Angelo (Monte Gargano), Italy

Approved devotion

483–492

Popes

Rome

c. 400–c. 480

Fathers

Marseille

On the Government of God — providence and judgment in the fall of the West.

476

Secular

Italy

Deposition of Romulus Augustulus; imperial authority in the West ends. The Roman Empire continues at Constantinople.

468–483

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 468 to 483

461–468

Popes

Rome

c. 400–461

Doctors

Rome

Tome of Leo; Council of Chalcedon; doctor and pope.

c. 393–457

Fathers

Cyrrhus

Church historian and biblical commentator; Eranistes.

455

Secular

Rome

Gaiseric’s Vandals plunder Rome; the Western Empire nears its end.

c. 390–c. 455

Fathers

Rome / Aquitaine

Defender of Augustine on grace; chronicle and anti-Pelagian writings.

451

Dogmas

Chalcedon

The Council of Chalcedon defines that Jesus Christ is true God and true man — one Person in two natures, without confusion or separation.

451

Secular

Gaul

Aëtius and allies check Attila’s Huns in Gaul; Leo the Great later meets Attila near Rome.

451

Councils

Chalcedon

Defines Christ’s two natures in one Person.

451

Fathers

Chalcedon

Defines Christ’s two natures in one Person.

c. 440–461

Liturgy

Rome

Leonine sermons and sacramentary tradition deepen the Roman sense of the Mass as the mystery of Christ.

c. 5th–8th c.

Liturgy

Rome

The pope celebrates Mass at designated station churches across Rome through the liturgical year.

c. 380–450

Doctors

Ravenna

Golden Word; short homilies from Ravenna.

c. 400–c. 450

Fathers

Constantinople

Church History from A.D. 323–425; parallel to Socrates.

d. c. 450

Fathers

Lérins

Commonitory; the Vincentian canon of orthodoxy.

c. 376–444

Doctors

Alexandria

Council of Ephesus; Theotokos; Christological teaching.

440–461

Popes

Rome

Tome of Leo shapes Chalcedon; meets Attila; strengthens the Roman See.

c. 380–c. 439

Fathers

Constantinople

Church History covering A.D. 305–438; continuation of Eusebius.

c. 360–435

Fathers

Marseille

Bridges Eastern monasticism to the Latin West; Conferences.

432–440

Popes

Rome

431

Dogmas

Ephesus

The Council of Ephesus proclaims that the Virgin Mary is truly Mother of God, because the One born of her is the eternal Son made flesh.

431

Councils

Ephesus

Mary proclaimed Theotokos; Nestorianism condemned.

431

Fathers

Ephesus

Mary proclaimed Theotokos; Nestorianism condemned.

354–430

Doctors

Hippo

Confessions; City of God; doctor of grace and the West.

c. 363–c. 425

Fathers

Aquitaine

Life of St. Martin; Chronicle; Gallic monastic historian.

422–432

Popes

Rome

c. 347–420

Doctors

Bethlehem

Latin Vulgate; biblical scholarship from Bethlehem.

c. 363–c. 425

Fathers

Gaul

Life of St. Martin and Dialogues — chronicler of Gallic monasticism.

418–422

Popes

Rome

418–419

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition to Boniface I.

417–418

Popes

Rome

c. 345–411

Fathers

Aquileia

Translator of Origen and Eusebius; Ecclesiastical History continuation.

410

Secular

Rome

Visigoths sack the Eternal City — a shock that frames Augustine’s City of God.

c. 349–407

Doctors

Constantinople

Golden Mouth; preacher of Constantinople; biblical homilies.

402–417

Popes

Rome

c. 4th c. onward

Liturgy

Milan

The Church of Milan preserves its own Latin rite alongside the Roman — later exempted from Tridentine uniformity.

c. 400

Liturgy

Hippo

Augustine’s preaching and City of God shape Western understanding of the Eucharist as sign and true sacrifice.

c. 4th–5th c.

Liturgy

Rome

The central Eucharistic Prayer of the Roman Rite (Canon Missae) settles into the form known through the Middle Ages.

400

Fathers

English volume from the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers (Schaff). Multiple works on the Fathers catalog may open this same volume.

400

Fathers

English volume from the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers (Schaff). Multiple works on the Fathers catalog may open this same volume.

400

Fathers

English volume from the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers (Schaff). Multiple works on the Fathers catalog may open this same volume.

399–401

Popes

Rome

c. 345–399

Fathers

Egypt

Desert ascetic and theorist of prayer; Praktikos and Chapters on Prayer.

c. 313–398

Fathers

Alexandria

Alexandrian exegete; On the Holy Spirit — teacher of Jerome and Rufinus.

c. 340–397

Doctors

Milan

Bishop and doctor; baptized Augustine; hymns and Scripture teaching.

395

Secular

Constantinople / Milan

Death of Theodosius I; Arcadius rules from Constantinople, Honorius in the West. The Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire takes lasting shape.

c. 335–395

Fathers

Nyssa

Cappadocian Father; Life of Moses; mystical theology.

391–392

Secular

Roman Empire

Imperial laws suppress public pagan cult; the temples lose their civic role.

c. 390

Liturgy

Milan

Milanese mystagogical preaching explains the Mass and the Real Presence to the newly baptized.

c. 329–390

Doctors

Nazianzus

The Theologian; Five Theological Orations on the Trinity.

c. 313–386

Doctors

Jerusalem

Catechetical Lectures; mystagogy for the newly baptized.

384–399

Popes

Rome

381

Dogmas

Constantinople

The First Council of Constantinople affirms that the Holy Spirit is Lord and Giver of life, to be worshiped with the Father and the Son.

381

Councils

Constantinople

Expands the Creed; affirms the divinity of the Holy Spirit.

381

Fathers

Constantinople

Expands the Creed; affirms the divinity of the Holy Spirit.

c. 4th c.

Liturgy

Rome

Greek gradually yields to Latin in the Roman Mass; the Roman Canon takes a stable Latin form.

380

Secular

Roman Empire

Nicene Christianity established as the religion of the Empire.

c. 330–379

Doctors

Caesarea

Cappadocian Father; monastic rule; On the Holy Spirit.

c. 296–373

Doctors

Alexandria

Champion of Nicaea against Arianism; On the Incarnation.

c. 306–373

Doctors

Edessa

Harp of the Spirit; hymns and biblical commentary in Syriac.

c. 310–367

Doctors

Poitiers

Western defender of Nicaea; On the Trinity.

366–384

Popes

Rome

366–367

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition to Damasus I.

361–363

Secular

Roman Empire

Last pagan emperor attempts to restore the old cults; dies on campaign in Persia.

355–365

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Often treated historically as an antipope.

352–366

Popes

Rome

c. 350–360

Liturgy

Egypt

An early Egyptian euchologion shows the developing shape of the Eucharistic Prayer outside Rome.

c. 270–c. 345

Fathers

Persia

Persian Sage; Demonstrations — early Syriac ascetical and doctrinal writings.

c. 260–339

Fathers

Caesarea

Church History; Life of Constantine; foundational Christian historiography.

337–352

Popes

Rome

336

Popes

Rome

330

Secular

Constantinople

New Rome on the Bosphorus; Christian imperial capital of the East.

c. 255–330

Fathers

Of Sicca; Against the Heathen — late Latin apology from a convert from paganism.

325

Dogmas

Nicaea

The First Council of Nicaea solemnly confesses that the Son is true God, of one substance (homoousios) with the Father — against Arianism.

325

Councils

Nicaea

First ecumenical council; confesses the Son as consubstantial with the Father.

325

Fathers

Nicaea

First ecumenical council; confesses the Son as consubstantial with the Father.

c. 250–325

Fathers

Christian Cicero; Divine Institutes — systematic Latin apology before Nicaea.

324

Secular

Roman Empire

Constantine defeats Licinius; one Christian-friendly emperor rules East and West.

314–336

Popes

Rome

313

Secular

Milan

Legal toleration of Christianity in the Roman Empire.

312

Secular

Rome

Constantine’s victory; Chi-Rho; path to Christian toleration in the Empire.

311–314

Popes

Rome

311

Secular

Nicomedia / East

Galerius ends the Great Persecution in the East and asks Christians to pray for the Empire.

c. 250–311

Fathers

Bishop and martyr; Symposium on virginity; critic of Origen’s eschatology.

d. 311

Fathers

Bishop of Alexandria; martyr under Diocletian; canons on the lapsed.

309

Popes

Rome

308–309

Popes

Rome

d. c. 306

Fathers

Bishop of Thmuis; martyr; letter and apology before the prefect Culcianus.

d. c. 304

Fathers

Victorinus of Pettau — earliest Latin commentary on Revelation; martyr.

303–313

Secular

Roman Empire

The last and fiercest empire-wide persecution: churches razed, Scriptures burned, clergy imprisoned; ends with Galerius’s toleration and the Edict of Milan.

c. 260–300

Fathers

Bishop of Alexandria; pastoral letter to Lucianus on clergy and almsgiving.

c. 3rd c.

Fathers

Ante-Nicene witness preserved among the ANF fragments and notices.

296–304

Popes

Rome

284–305

Secular

Roman Empire

Diocletian restructures the Empire; the stage is set for the last and greatest persecution.

283–296

Popes

Rome

c. 230–280

Fathers

Alexandrian teacher; Hypotyposeis — early systematic outline of Christian doctrine.

c. 250–278

Fathers

Bishop in Mesopotamia; Acts of the Disputation with Manes — anti-Manichaean dialogue.

275–283

Popes

Rome

c. 230–275

Fathers

Alexandrian catechist called “Origen the Younger”; fragments of Easter and Hosea homilies.

c. 270–275

Secular

Roman Empire

Aurelian restores imperial unity after breakaway empires; brief late pressure on Christians before his death.

c. 213–270

Fathers

Wonder-worker of Neocaesarea; Panegyric on Origen; creed and pastoral letters.

c. 250–270

Fathers

Presbyter of Antioch; epistle against Paul of Samosata at the synod of Antioch.

269–274

Popes

Rome

c. 200–264

Fathers

Dionysius of Alexandria — bishop and correspondent on baptism, schism, and the Trinity.

259–268

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 259 to 268

c. 200–258

Fathers

Bishop of Carthage; On the Unity of the Church; letters and martyrdom under Valerian.

c. 200–258

Fathers

Roman theologian; On the Trinity; later rigorist schism over the lapsed.

257–260

Secular

Roman Empire

Edicts against clergy and Christian assemblies; martyrdom of Pope St. Sixtus II and St. Lawrence; St. Cyprian in Africa.

257–258

Popes

Rome

254–257

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 254 to 257

c. 184–254

Fathers

Alexandrian exegete; On First Principles, Hexapla, and vast biblical commentaries.

253–254

Popes

Rome

251–258

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. Founder of Novatianism; in opposition to Cornelius and successors.

251–253

Popes

Rome

250–251

Secular

Roman Empire

First empire-wide demand that all sacrifice to the gods; certificates of sacrifice; many martyrs and lapsi — a turning point for Church discipline.

c. 250

Liturgy

Carthage

Cyprian insists water be mixed with wine in the Lord’s cup, linking the rite to Church unity.

c. 200–250

Fathers

Alexander of Jerusalem — bishop and martyr; friend of Origen; letters and fragments.

c. 200–250

Fathers

Alexander of Cappadocia / Jerusalem — bishop, correspondent of Origen, and martyr.

3rd c.

Fathers

Roman Africa / Gaul (uncertain)

Latin Christian poet; Instructions in Favour of Christian Discipline against the gods of the heathen.

c. 180–250

Fathers

Early Christian writer; fragments on the Trinity and the true faith (Theodotus).

c. 160–240

Fathers

Chronographer of the early Church; Chronographiai and letters on sacred history.

236–250

Popes

Rome

235–284

Secular

Roman Empire

Civil war, plague, and invasion nearly shatter the Empire before Diocletian restores order.

c. 235–238

Secular

Roman Empire

Brief empire-wide hostility targeting clergy and Church leaders.

235–236

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from 235 to 236

c. 170–235

Fathers

Roman theologian; Refutation of All Heresies; Apostolic Tradition; martyr.

230–235

Popes

Rome

222–230

Popes

Rome

c. 155–220

Fathers

Carthaginian Latin father; Apology, Against Marcion; coined much Trinitarian vocabulary.

218–222

Popes

Rome

217–235

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition to Callixtus I, Urban I, and Pontian; later reconciled.

c. 180–217

Fathers

Roman presbyter; fragments against the Montanists and on the Roman church.

c. 215

Liturgy

Rome

An early Church order preserves an anaphora and ordination rites that illuminate third-century Roman practice.

c. 150–215

Fathers

Head of the Alexandrian catechetical school; Stromata, Paedagogus, Protrepticus.

c. 150–210

Fathers

Latin apologist; Octavius — dialogue defending the faith against pagan critique.

c. 202

Secular

Roman Empire / Africa

Imperial edict against conversion; martyrs include Sts. Perpetua and Felicity at Carthage.

c. 130–202

Doctors

Bishop of Lyons; Against Heresies — apostolic tradition against Gnosticism.

c. early Church–medieval

Liturgy

Rome / West

The sign of peace, attested from Justin onward, shifts place and form across centuries of Roman practice.

199–217

Popes

Rome

199–200

Popes

Rome

Antipope · Rome. In opposition to Zephyrinus; later reconciled.

c. 133–190

Fathers

Athenagoras of Athens — Plea for the Christians and On the Resurrection.

189–199

Popes

Rome

c. 120–183

Fathers

Bishop of Antioch; To Autolycus — early use of the word “Trinity.”

c. 180

Liturgy

Lyons

Against Heresies teaches the Eucharist as the Church’s pure sacrifice foretold by Malachi.

c. 180

Secular

Roman Empire

End of the Antonine age; pressures mount on the classical order.

c. 120–180

Fathers

Disciple of Justin; Address to the Greeks; compiler of the Diatessaron.

177

Secular

Lyons / Vienne

Under Marcus Aurelius, fierce local persecution in Gaul; martyrs include St. Blandina and St. Pothinus.

175–189

Popes

Rome

168–174

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from c. 167 to c. 174

c. 100–165

Fathers

Philosopher-martyr; First and Second Apology; Dialogue with Trypho.

c. 155

Liturgy

Rome

The First Apology outlines readings, a homily, the kiss of peace, the offering, and Communion — an early shape of the Mass.

c. 69–155

Fathers

Bishop of Smyrna; disciple of John; Letter to the Philippians and martyrdom account.

150–160

Popes

Rome

c. 130–150

Fathers

Epistle to Diognetus — anonymous apology on Christian life in the world.

c. 100–150

Fathers

The Shepherd of Hermas — visions, mandates, and similitudes on repentance.

140–154

Popes

Rome

138–140

Popes

Rome

132–135

Secular

Judea

Final major Jewish revolt against Rome; Judea renamed Syria Palaestina.

126–130

Popes

Rome

115–120

Popes

Rome

c. 112

Secular

Bithynia / Rome

Pliny’s letters from Bithynia; Trajan forbids hunting Christians yet punishes those who refuse to sacrifice — a standing legal pattern for decades.

c. 107–110

Liturgy

Antioch / Asia Minor

Ignatius calls the Eucharist the flesh of Christ and urges unity at one altar under the bishop.

107–110

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from c. 107 to c. 115

d. c. 107

Fathers

Bishop of Antioch; letters on unity, the Eucharist, and martyrdom en route to Rome.

late 1st c.

Fathers

Epistle of Barnabas — early Christian allegory of the Law and the two ways.

99–105

Popes

Rome

c. 35–99

Fathers

Bishop of Rome; First Clement to Corinth — early papal authority and church order.

c. 35–99

Fathers

Bishop of Rome; First Clement to Corinth — early papal authority and church order.

c. 35–99

Fathers

The Epistles of Clement — apostolic-era letters from the Roman church to Corinth.

c. 95

Secular

Roman Empire

Second wave of imperial hostility; exile of St. John and pressure on the Church in Asia traditionally linked to Domitian.

c. 90–110

Liturgy

Syria / Mediterranean

The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles preserves early Eucharistic thanksgiving prayers and Sunday assembly norms.

c. 70–100

Fathers

Syria / Palestine

The Didache (“Teaching of the Twelve Apostles”) is among the earliest Christian writings outside the New Testament — a short handbook of moral teaching, baptism, fasting, prayer, the Eucharist, and local church order. Most scholars date it to the late first or early second century (often c. 70–100), likely in Syria or Palestine. The Church has never received the Didache as Sacred Scripture. It stands with the Apostolic Fathers and early “church orders”: historically precious and useful as a window on primitive practice, but not canonical. Catholics may read it with profit as ancient catechesis, while measuring it against Scripture and the later defined faith of the Church. Its opening “Two Ways” (of life and of death) echoes Jewish moral tradition and the Gospel’s ethical demand. It gives early directions for baptism (preferably in living water; trinitarian formula), Wednesday and Friday fasting, the Lord’s Prayer thrice daily, and thanksgiving prayers over the cup and broken bread — among the oldest extant Eucharistic texts. It also speaks of itinerant prophets, Sunday assembly, and appointing bishops and deacons. This hosted English text is the public-domain Ante-Nicene Fathers translation (M.B. Riddle, 1886), from the Greek rediscovered in 1873 (Codex Hierosolymitanus). Related material also appears under the Collections dossier “Apostolic Teaching and Constitutions”; the longer Apostolic Constitutions are a later compilation and are not simply identical with the Didache.

88–99

Popes

Rome

c. 80

Secular

Rome

The Flavian Amphitheatre opens in Rome; later memory binds it to Christian martyrdom.

79–92

Popes

Rome

70

Secular

Jerusalem

Titus sacks Jerusalem; end of Temple sacrifice; Judaism and the Church take new forms.

67–79

Popes

Rome

Head of the Catholic Church from c. 68 to c. 80

64

Secular

Rome

Fire of Rome; Christians blamed; first imperial persecution; martyrdoms of Peter and Paul traditionally dated here.

c. 50–100

Liturgy

Jerusalem / Mediterranean

The Acts of the Apostles describe the faithful devoted to the apostles’ teaching and the breaking of the bread.

c. 50

Councils

Jerusalem

The apostles discern that Gentile converts need not keep the full Mosaic law.

40

Marian Apparition

Zaragoza, Spain

Bishop approved

c. AD 36–37

Secular

Judea / Rome

After suppressing a Samaritan gathering at Mount Gerizim, Vitellius (legate of Syria) orders Pilate to Rome. Tiberius dies before the hearing. Pilate’s birth and death dates are unknown; later Christian tradition alone speaks of his suicide.

c. 34–36

Damascus road

Saul of Tarsus meets the risen Christ on the road to Damascus; Apostle to the Nations.

33–67

Popes

Rome

First among the Apostles; martyred in Rome under Nero.

c. 33

Liturgy

Jerusalem

Christ institutes the Eucharist at the Passover meal — the origin of the Mass.

c. 30–33

Jerusalem

The Holy Spirit descends on the Apostles; the Church begins her public mission from Jerusalem.

c. 30–33

Secular

Jerusalem

The central events of salvation history in Jerusalem under Pontius Pilate.

c. 28–30

Machaerus

Beheaded by Herod Antipas; the Church honors his passion on 29 August.

c. 27–29

Jordan River

Christ is baptized by John in the Jordan; the Trinity is revealed; public ministry begins.

c. AD 26

Secular

Judea (Caesarea)

Fifth Roman prefect of Judea under Tiberius; he will preside at the trial of Jesus.

14

Secular

Rome

Augustus dies; Tiberius rules during the public ministry and Passion of Christ.

c. AD 8

Jerusalem

At about twelve years of age, Jesus is found among the teachers in the Temple.

c. 6–4 BC

Bethlehem

Incarnation in Bethlehem of Judea under Herod and Augustus.

c. 5–4 BC

Bethlehem / Egypt

Herod seeks the Child’s life; the Holy Family flees to Egypt; the Holy Innocents are martyred.

c. 6–4 BC

Jerusalem

Mary and Joseph present the Child according to the Law; Simeon and Anna prophesy — Candlemas.

4 BC

Secular

Judea

Herod dies; his kingdom is divided among his sons under Roman oversight.

c. 6–5 BC

Nazareth

The angel Gabriel announces that Mary will conceive the Son of God by the Holy Spirit; feast on 25 March.

c. 6–5 BC

Judea

Forerunner of the Lord; born to Zechariah and Elizabeth about six months before Christ.

c. 6–5 BC

Judean hill country

Mary visits Elizabeth; John leaps in the womb; the Magnificat is sung.

c. 7–5 BC

Nazareth

Mary is betrothed to Joseph of the house of David before the Annunciation.

c. 15–12 BC

Jerusalem

Tradition honors Mary’s dedication in the Temple; feast on 21 November.

c. 18–15 BC

Nazareth

Nativity of Mary, Mother of God — traditionally honored on 8 September.

c. 20 BC

Secular

Jerusalem

Grand rebuilding of the Second Temple complex in Jerusalem.

27 BC

Secular

Rome

The Principate begins; Pax Romana — the imperial world into which Christ is born.

31 BC

Secular

Actium, Greece

Octavian defeats Antony and Cleopatra; sole power in Rome is secured.

49–31 BC

Secular

Rome

Civil wars from Caesar’s Rubicon to Actium end the Republic and open the way to empire.

63 BC

Secular

Jerusalem

Rome enters Judea; the Holy Land comes under Roman political power.

146 BC

Secular

Corinth / Carthage

Greece and Africa fall under Roman dominion; the Republic rules the Mediterranean world.

167–160 BC

Secular

Judea

Jewish resistance to Seleucid persecution; rededication of the Temple (Hanukkah).

264–146 BC

Secular

Mediterranean

Rome defeats Carthage and becomes master of the western Mediterranean.

336–323 BC

Secular

Macedonia / Near East

Hellenistic empires spread Greek language and culture across the Near East.

490–479 BC

Secular

Greece

Greek victory over Persia preserves the independence of the Hellenic world.

c. 508 BC

Secular

Athens

Classical political experiment that later influences the West.

509 BC

Secular

Rome

Traditional expulsion of the kings; consuls and the Republic replace the monarchy — the constitutional order of Rome for nearly five centuries.

c. 516 BC

Secular

Jerusalem

Temple worship restored under Zerubbabel after the exile.

538 BC

Secular

Jerusalem / Persia

Persia permits Judeans to return and rebuild the Temple.

586 BC

Secular

Jerusalem

Babylon razes Jerusalem; Judah goes into exile.

722 BC

Secular

Samaria

Assyria destroys Samaria; the ten tribes are exiled.

c. 8th c. BC

Secular

Greece

Epic culture and city-states that shape the classical West.

753 BC

Secular

Rome

Legendary foundation date of the city that will rule the Mediterranean.

c. 930 BC

Secular

Israel / Judah

Israel (north) and Judah (south) split after Solomon.

c. 960 BC

Secular

Jerusalem

Solomon’s Temple; sacrificial worship centered in Jerusalem.

c. 1000 BC

Secular

Jerusalem

City of David becomes the political and cultic heart of Israel.

c. 13th c. BC

Secular

Egypt / Sinai

Israel’s deliverance from Egypt — founding memory of the covenant people.

c. 1800 BC

Secular

Canaan / Mesopotamia

Traditional setting of Abraham’s call and the beginnings of Israel’s story.

Life

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