History of the Catholic Church
As the oldest continuously operating organization, the Catholic Church has a distinguished history. The Church has also been involved in many of the historical events and movements of the past 2,000 years. Learn about the Catholic Church's history and the Church's role in secular history, and read short historical sketches of events and biographies of major figures in the Catholic Church.
Memento Mori
A Latin phrase meaning "Remember that you must die," as well as the name given to paintings or sculptures that illustrate the theme.
A Latin phrase meaning "Remember that you must die," as well as the name given to paintings or sculptures that illustrate the theme.
The Council of Chalcedon
The Council of Chalcedon (451) is the fourth ecumenical council recognized by the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
The Council of Chalcedon (451) is the fourth ecumenical council recognized by the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
Photos of Pope Benedict's 2008 Visit to the United States
A gallery of images from Pope Benedict XVI's April 2008 apostolic journey to the United States. Relive the stops along his tour, and follow the Holy Father as he visits Washington, D.C., and New York City.
A gallery of images from Pope Benedict XVI's April 2008 apostolic journey to the United States. Relive the stops along his tour, and follow the Holy Father as he visits Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Schedule of Pope Benedict's 2008 Visit to the United States
Schedule of all of the significant events of Pope Benedict XVI's apostolic journey to the United States, April 15-20, 2008. Includes links to descriptions of each event and summaries of the Holy Father's remarks at each.
Schedule of all of the significant events of Pope Benedict XVI's apostolic journey to the United States, April 15-20, 2008. Includes links to descriptions of each event and summaries of the Holy Father's remarks at each.
Pope Benedict XVI
The 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI was elected on April 19, 2005. Find out more about the life and pontificate of Joseph Ratzinger, the man who became Pope Benedict XVI.
The 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI was elected on April 19, 2005. Find out more about the life and pontificate of Joseph Ratzinger, the man who became Pope Benedict XVI.
The Doctors of the Church
The Doctors of the Church are great saints known for their defense and explanation of the truths of the Catholic Faith. There are 33 officially recognized Doctors of the Church.
The Doctors of the Church are great saints known for their defense and explanation of the truths of the Catholic Faith. There are 33 officially recognized Doctors of the Church.
Popes of the Roman Catholic Church
There have been 265 popes of the Roman Catholic Church, starting with the Apostle Peter, the first pope of Rome, and leading up to Benedict XVI, the current pope. Find links to a comprehensive list here, divided up by historical era.
There have been 265 popes of the Roman Catholic Church, starting with the Apostle Peter, the first pope of Rome, and leading up to Benedict XVI, the current pope. Find links to a comprehensive list here, divided up by historical era.
Popes of the Age of Persecution
From St. Peter (32-67) to St. Miltiades (311-14), find the popes of the Age of Persecution here, with the dates of their reigns.
From St. Peter (32-67) to St. Miltiades (311-14), find the popes of the Age of Persecution here, with the dates of their reigns.
Popes of the Age of Empire
From St. Sylvester I (314-35) to Pelagius II (579-90), find the popes of the Age of Empire here, with the dates of their reigns.
From St. Sylvester I (314-35) to Pelagius II (579-90), find the popes of the Age of Empire here, with the dates of their reigns.
Popes of the Early Middle Ages
From St. Gregory the Great (590-604) to Alexander II (1061-73), find the popes of the Early Middle Ages here, with the dates of their reigns.
From St. Gregory the Great (590-604) to Alexander II (1061-73), find the popes of the Early Middle Ages here, with the dates of their reigns.
Popes of the Age of Crusades and Councils
From St. Gregory VII (1073-85) to St. Celestine V (1294), find the popes of the Age of Crusades and Councils here, with the dates of their reigns.
From St. Gregory VII (1073-85) to St. Celestine V (1294), find the popes of the Age of Crusades and Councils here, with the dates of their reigns.
Popes of the Avignon Papacy and the Great Schism
From Boniface VIII (1294-1303) to Gregory XII (1406-15), find the popes of the Avignon Papacy and the Great Schism here, with the dates of their reigns.
From Boniface VIII (1294-1303) to Gregory XII (1406-15), find the popes of the Avignon Papacy and the Great Schism here, with the dates of their reigns.
Popes of the Renaissance and Reformation
From Martin V (1417-31) to Pius IV (1559-65), find the popes of the Renaissance and Reformation here, with the dates of their reigns.
From Martin V (1417-31) to Pius IV (1559-65), find the popes of the Renaissance and Reformation here, with the dates of their reigns.
Popes of the Age of Revolution
From St. Pius V (1566-72) to Pius VII (1800-23), find the popes of the Age of Revolution here, with the dates of their reigns.
From St. Pius V (1566-72) to Pius VII (1800-23), find the popes of the Age of Revolution here, with the dates of their reigns.
Popes of the Modern Age
From Leo XII (1823-29) to the current pope, Benedict XVI (2005—), find the popes of the Modern Age here, with the dates of their reigns.
From Leo XII (1823-29) to the current pope, Benedict XVI (2005—), find the popes of the Modern Age here, with the dates of their reigns.
Ecumenical Councils
Important doctrinal matters in the Catholic Church are decided through ecumenical councils. There have been 21 in the Church's history. This is a list of the councils, the dates they were held, and the major issues discussed at each.
Important doctrinal matters in the Catholic Church are decided through ecumenical councils. There have been 21 in the Church's history. This is a list of the councils, the dates they were held, and the major issues discussed at each.
A History of the Crusades
The Crusades are often misunderstood today. Far from being wars of aggression (at least in intent), they were undertaken to free the Christians and the holy sites of the Holy Land after they were conquered by the Muslims. Learn more about all eight Crusades here.
The Crusades are often misunderstood today. Far from being wars of aggression (at least in intent), they were undertaken to free the Christians and the holy sites of the Holy Land after they were conquered by the Muslims. Learn more about all eight Crusades here.