Following the selection of a new pope–Leo XIV– yesterday, global attention has turned once again to the rich and complex history of the papacy. As the Catholic Church enters a new chapter, it is fitting to look back at the last fifteen pontiffs, reflecting on their nationalities, years of reign, and enduring legacies.

Francis (Argentina) – March 13, 2013 to April 21, 2025

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina in 1936, Francis, who battled entrenched interests to lift his Church, will be a tough act to follow. His Holiness Pope Francis died on 21 April 2025 in the Vatican, in the 13th year of his pontificate, at the age of 88 years. He was buried on 26 April in the Papal Liberian Basilica.

Benedict XVI (Germany) – April 19, 2005 to February 28, 2013

Born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger in Germany, Benedict XVI’s papacy came to an end with a resignation due to health issues. He died aged 95 on December 31, 2022. He died on 31 December 2022 at Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican, at the age of 95 years, in the 8th year of his pontificate.

John Paul II (Poland) – October 16, 1978 to April 2, 2005

Born Karol Józef Wojty?a in Poland, John Paul II was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years. His Holiness Pope John Paul II died on 2 April 2005 in the Vatican, in the 27th year of his pontificate, at the age of 84 years.

John Paul I (Italy) – August 26, 1978 to September 28, 1978.

Born Albino Luciani in Italy, John Paul I’s reign is among the shortest in papal history. He died aged 65 only 33 days after being named pope, ushering in the first year of the three popes since 1605.

Paul VI (Italy) – June 21, 1963 to August 6, 1978.

Born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini in Italy, Paul VI notably continued the Second Vatican Council, implementing its numerous reforms before closing it in 1965. In 1970, he was the first Pope to visit Australia. His Holiness Pope Paul VI died on 6 August 1978 at Castelgandolfo, in the 16th year of his pontificate, at the age of 80 years.

John XXIII (Italy) – October 28, 1958 to June 3, 1963

Born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli in Italy, he is best known for convening the Second Vatican Council. His Holiness Pope John XXIII died on 3 June 1963 in the Vatican, in the 5th year of his pontificate, at the age of 81 years.

Pius XII (Italy) – March 2, 1939 to October 9, 1958

Born Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli in Italy, he was the second pontiff to use the radio, delivering almost 200 broadcast speeches in different languages to promote peace and decry violence. His Holiness Pope Pius XII died on 9 October 1958 at Castelgandolfo, in the 20th year of his pontificate, at the age of 82 years. He was buried on 13 October in the Grottoes of the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica.

Pius XI (Italy) – February 6, 1922 to February 10, 1939

Born Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti in Italy, Pius XI was the first pontiff to become sovereign of the Vatican City State, which was created as an independent state in February 1929. He also despised Prime Minister Benito Mussolini, and the feeling was mutual. His Holiness Pope Pius XI died on 10 February 1939 in the Vatican, in the 17th year of his pontificate, at the age of 81 years. He was buried on 14 February in the Grottoes of the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica.

Benedict XV (Italy) – September 3, 1914 to January 22, 1922

Born Giacomo Paolo Giovanni Battista della Chiesa in Italy, Benedict XV’s time as pontiff was largely overshadowed by World War I. He dedicated his papacy to achieving peace in Europe, and could only turn his attention to matters within the Church once the conflict ended. His Holiness Pope Benedict XV died on 22 January 1922 in Rome, in the 8th year of his pontificate, at the age of 67 years. He was buried on 26 January in the Grottoes of the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica.

Pius X (Italy) – August 4, 1903 to August 20, 1914 .Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto in Italy’s Riese when it was part of the Austrian Empire, Pius X was staunchly conservative both politically and religiously. He turned his attention to the defence of the Catholic Church, particularly any movement to reinterpret traditional Catholic teachings. He was canonised on May 29, 1954. His Holiness Pope Pius X died on 20 August 1914 in Rome, in the 12th year of his pontificate, at the age of 79 years.

Leo XIII (Italy) – February 20, 1878 to July 20, 1903 Born Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci in Italy, he directed the Catholic Church for 25 years, dying at 93 in Rome. He was regarded as somewhat, an advocate for modern thinking, governments, science and the social needs of the time. His Holiness Pope Leo XIII died on 20 July 1903 in Rome, in the 26th year of his pontificate, at the age of 93 years. He was buried on 25 July in the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica, and his mortal remains were transferred on 22 October 1924 to the Patriarchal Lateran Basilica, where on 27 October he was buried.

Blessed Pius IX (Italy) – June 16, 1846 to February 7, 1878His Eminence Giovanni Maria Giambattista Pietro Pellegrino Isidoro Cardinal conte Mastai-Ferretti, Cardinal Priest of Santi Marcellino e Pietro, Bishop of Imola with the title of Archbishop ad personam, was elected Bishop of Rome on 16 June 1846 in the Quirinal Apostolic Palace, taking the name Pius IX, and was crowned on 21 June, at the age of 54 years. His Holiness Pope Pius IX died on 7 February 1878 in Rome, in the 32nd year of his pontificate, at the age of 85 years. He was buried on 13 February in the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica, and his mortal remains were transferred on 13 July 1881 to the Basilica of San Lorenzo fuori le Mura, Rome.

Gregory XVI (Italy) – February 2, 1831 to June 1, 1846

His Eminence Mauro Bartolomeo Alberto Cardinal Cappellari, O.S.B.Cam., Cardinal Priest of San Callisto, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, was elected Bishop of Rome on 2 February 1831 in the Quirinal Apostolic Palace, taking the name Gregory XVI, and was consecrated to the episcopate and crowned on 6 February, at the age of 65 years. His Holiness Pope Gregory XVI died on 1 June 1846 in Rome, in the 16th year of his pontificate, at the age of 80 years. He was buried on 6 June in the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica.

Pius VIII (Italy) – March 31, 1829 to November 30, 1830

His Eminence Francesco Saverio Cardinal Castiglioni, Cardinal Bishop of Frascati, Major Penitentiary, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of the Index, was elected Bishop of Rome on 31 March 1829 in the Quirinal Apostolic Palace, taking the name Pius VIII, and was crowned on 5 April, at the age of 67 years. His Holiness Pope Pius VIII died on 30 November 1830 in Rome, in the 2nd year of his pontificate, at the age of 69 years. He was buried on 6 December in the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica, and his mortal remains were transferred on 5 June 1846 to the Grottoes of the same basilica.

Leo XII (Italy) – September 28, 1823 to February 10, 1829

His Eminence Annibale Francesco Clemente Melchiore Girolamo Nicola Sermattei Cardinal conte della Genga, Cardinal Priest of Santa Maria in Trastevere, former Bishop of Senigallia with the title of Archbishop *ad personam*, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of Immunity, Vicar General of His Holiness for the City of Rome, Archpriest of the Patriarchal Liberian Basilica, was elected Bishop of Rome on 28 September 1823 in the Quirinal Apostolic Palace, taking the name Leo XII, and was crowned on 5 October, at the age of 63 years. His Holiness Pope Leo XII died on 10 February 1829 in Rome, in the 6th year of his pontificate, at the age of 68 years. He was buried on 15 February in the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica, and his mortal remains were transferred on 5 December 1830 to the Grottoes of the same basilica. (The Guardian)