Throughout its art and architecture, the National Shrine honors different popes from across the ages in sculptures, mosaics, and more, highlighting their unique contributions to the faith. From the pope who invented the Gregorian chant, to the pope who gave his apostolic blessing to the building of the National Shrine, each of them has been influential in the life of the Church. In today’s post, we invite you to discover what popes are portrayed in the National Shrine and what the faithful can learn from their lives.
Pope Gregory
Known as Saint Gregory the Great, Pope Gregory called himself the “servant of the servants of God.” This humble pope provided steadfast guidance for the Church and city of Rome as they struggled after the city’s fall, providing food and clothing to the impoverished and defending the religious freedom of the Jewish people under his rule. Not only was he compassionate, but he was also a prolific writer. During his lifetime, he penned over 800 letters and authored accounts of the lives of saints and other religious works, including a six-volume commentary on the book of Job. He was also involved in church music, writing many songs and hymns, and is most notably associated with the Gregorian chant.
Pope Pius IX
The longest-reigning pope, Pius IX is known for defining the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in December of 1854. In 1869, he also held the first Vatican Ecumenical Council, during which papal infallibility was made a dogma of the Church. Although Pope Pius IX’s pontificate was wrought with political turmoil and ultimately resulted in a major transition in the governing role of the papacy, he led with an attitude of peace and understanding.
Pope Leo XIII
The oldest pope, Leo XIII served the Church during the pivotal period of the Industrial Revolution, when advancements in progress often came at the expense of the working class. During his time as pope, Leo was influential in ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of all, emphasizing their shared humanity in a time where class divisions still tore at the heart of society. Not only was he distinguished by his diplomacy with civil governments, but he also demonstrated a genuine care for the faithful. In 1891, Leo wrote the encyclical Rerum Novarum in response to the Industrial Revolution and the people of the working class, addressing workers’ rights and emphasizing the church’s role in social issues relating to questions of morality. He also furthered education in significant ways during his papacy, establishing many schools and colleges, including The Catholic University of America.
Pope Pius X
A man of humility and simplicity, Pope Pius X was reticent to accept the esteemed office of the papacy because he considered himself unworthy. Yet he soon proved otherwise, distinguishing himself with his efforts for reform. Among other improvements, he reorganized the Roman Curia, founded various regional seminaries, compiled a universal catechism in Italian, and established the Pontifical Biblical Institute to push back against the waves of modernism. Pope Saint Pius X also played a key role in the early stages of the National Shrine, giving his apostolic blessing and personally contributing to the project. Throughout his lifetime, he demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his motto, Instaurare Omnia in Christo, which means “To restore all things in Christ.”
Saint John XXIII
Known as “The Good Pope,” Saint John XXIII brought a pastoral approach to the papacy that made him beloved by many. His most momentous act as pope was calling the Second Vatican Council, known as “Vatican II,” on October 11, 1962, with the purpose of “updating” the Church. The Council enacted many changes, including a reform of the Liturgy, renewed theology of the Church and involvement of the laity, and many other initiatives as it sought to guide the Church into the 20th century.
Pope Paul VI
Throughout his time in office, Pope Paul VI worked to enact the decisions made during Vatican II, ensuring the Church continued to be effective in a changing world. He wrote seven encyclicals during his pontificate, including his most well-known, Humanae Vitae (“Of Human Life”). Pope Paul VI instituted many changes to the Church offices, including founding the World Synod of Bishops, enabling more countries to have their own cardinals, and placing age limits on certain positions. He was also the first pope to institute the practice of Apostolic Journeys, taking nine international trips over the course of his reign.
Saint John Paul II
The first reigning Pope to visit the National Shrine, Saint John Paul II was beloved for his heart for justice and dedication to missions. He spread the Gospel to millions of people in over 120 countries during his papacy, earning him the moniker “the Pilgrim Pope.” Through his tireless fight for justice and solidarity, he inspired hope among the politically oppressed and helped bring about the end of the Cold War. He also survived an assassination attempt, making a miraculous recovery after being pierced by two bullets in St. Peter’s Square.
Take the Quiz: Do you know these 10 pope facts?
Interested in learning more about the popes? Since Pope John Paul II came to the National Shrine in 1979, it has been visited by every reigning pope, and even more are honored in the National Shrine’s art and architecture. In this quiz, we invite you to test your knowledge about the holy fathers, their contributions to the faith, their relationships with the Basilica, and more!