I like
Pope Damasus I – held the First Council of Constantinople
– added to the Nicene creed was added the clauses referring to the Holy Ghost (
qui simul adoratur) and all that follows to the end.
Leo I “the great” – wrote many writings of great historical value
– held the Council of Chalcedon (
Gregory I – introduced Gregorian Chant
(i’m a music major I should know)
Leo IX – excommunicated the Patriarch of Constantinople
Gregory VII – excommunicated King Heinrich of Germany
Pius V – helped carry out the reforms of the Council of Trent
– wrote a new Catechism and new Missal
– helped organize a fleet that won the battle of Lepanto
Pius IX – declared the Immaculate Conception to be Dogma
– declared Papal Infallibility Dogma
– Opened Vatican Council I
Pius X – because of his stance against modernism.
And because of his moto proprio on Gregorian chant.
Pius XI – a man of unshakable faith! Condemned the errors of fascism, Nazism and Communism.
Pius XII – was instrumental in saving the lives of over 850,000 Jews from the hands of the Nazis.
– declared the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven
John XXIII – open Vatican Council II
Paul VI – wrote the famous encyclical Humanae Vitae
John Paul II – brought about the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. Helped improve Catholic-Jewish relations.
Benedict XVI – made the famous speech at Regensberg
– released the Motu Proprio liberalizing the use of the Latin Mass
– defined what salvation is and what a Church is
– putting the Latin back into the Novus Ordo mass
– said that pro-abortion politicians should be refused communion
