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catholic church
World / 25 weeks ago
Where were the popes born?
Of the 266 popes elected throughout the history of the Catholic Church, a staggering 217 were born in Italy, according to the Vatican Archives. This means over 81% of popes have hailed from a single country—an astonishing statistic that underscores Italy’s enduring influence over the Vatican and the broader Roman Catholic institution. Italy’s overwhelming representation among popes is no coincidence. The Vatican, nestled within Rome, is both the religious and geographical heart of Catholicism. For centuries, the proximity, political power, and cultural clout of Italy made it the natural birthplace for pontiffs, especially during the medieval and Renaissance eras when the papacy was heavily entwined with Italian politics.
Politics / 26 weeks ago
Why some countries still don’t have diplomatic relations with the Holy See
Despite being the world’s smallest independent state by both area and population, the Holy See—the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Pope and the central authority of the Catholic Church—has one of the widest-reaching diplomatic networks on Earth. As of 2024, it maintains formal diplomatic relations with over 180 countries, along with the European Union and several international organisations. Yet, as the map above shows, a small group of countries remains outside this global circle. From communist giants to war-torn regions and ideologically rigid states, here’s a breakdown of why some nations still have no diplomatic ties with the Holy See.
World / 28 weeks ago
Who will be the next pope?
Roman Catholic cardinals will begin a secret conclave to elect the next pope on May 7, a senior Vatican source told Reuters on Monday, April 28. Although not announced officially, the decision was made during the first closed-door meeting of cardinals since Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday, April 26.
World / 29 weeks ago
A look at papal longevity and leadership in the Catholic Church
The papacy is one of the oldest and most respected leadership positions in the world, with popes often serving well into old age. A visual by World Visualized highlights the oldest popes in office, showcasing how age and experience have shaped the Catholic Church’s leadership across centuries.
