Three Pope parallels

Short overview of the latest Three Popes showing some interesting complementarities.

P.St. John Paul II 1978-2005


Born: May 18, 1920 in Poland as Karol Józef Wojtyla.
Elected: October 16th, 1978 as the 264th Roman Pope.
Died: April 2, 2005.
Well known for helping to end communism, for building bridges with other faiths, his many travels and initiating the World Youth Days.  Philosopher 

Motto: Totus Tuus (All Yours).

Divine virtue promoted: HOPE

Chosen names John & Paul are of two apostles.

Given name refers to Charles Borromeo (church reformer) / Charlemagne (Father of Europe) / Charles Martel (The Hammer, repelled muslims)

De Labore Solis (Of the Work of the Sun: inspired, connected, travelled)

P. Benedict XVI 2005-2013


Born: April 16, 1927 in Germany as Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger.

Elected: April 19th, 2005 as the 265th Roman Pope.

Abdicated: February 28, 2013. 

Died: December 31, 2022.
Well known for his books Jesus of Nazareth, being a theology professor and leading the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith for many years.

Motto: Cooperatores Veritatis (Cooperators of Truth)

Divine virtue promoted: FAITH

Chosen name Benedict is of the founder of Monasticism.

Given name refers to

St. Joseph (protector of the Church)

Gloria Olivae (Glory of the Olive: study, judaism?)

P. Francis 2013-current


Born: December 17, 1936 in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergolio.

Elected: March 13, 2013 as the 266th Roman Pope (first Jesuit Pope, from the Americas & from the Southern hemi-sphere). Still reigning.
Well known for his emphasis on God's mercy (Holy Year 2016), (interreligious) dialogue, concern for the poor and the environment (Laudato Si). Spiritual Director

Motto: Miserando atque eligendo (Chosen out of Mercy)

Divine virtue promoted: LOVE/CHARITY

Chosen name is of Francis of Asisi who lived poor and close to nature.

Given name refers to St. George (slayer of the dragon)

Petrus Romanus (Peter the Roman: presented himself primarily as Bishop of Rome)

The last entrance of each is his designation from the Prophecy of the Popes attributed to St. Malachy, a controversial list ending with Pope Francis, that I nevertheless find quite fitting. For comparison, the previous Popes on the list are Of the half Moon, referring to John Paul I who only reigned 1 month in 1978; Flower of Flowers, referring to Paul VI (1963-1978) who concluded Vatican II and with Fleur-de-lis in his coat of arms; Shepherd and Sailor, referring to John XXIII (1958–63) who had been patriarch of Venice; Angelic Shepherd, referring to Pius XII (1939-1958) who reigned during WWII.

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