Popes of the Catholic Church-- Part 8

Continuing with the March 3, 2013, Chicago Tribune article "Focus Papal Legacy."

1939:  Pope Pius XII becomes pope seven months before the outbreak of World War II and his efforts to remain neutral cause great controversy.  Some accuse him of indifference to the persecution of Jews.  His supporters point to his behind-the-scenes efforts to save victims of the Nazis.

1962:  Pope John XXIII opens the Second Vatican Council which continued under his successor, Paul VI.  This effort caused major changes in church doctrine and a big one was allowing Mass to be said in languages other than Latin as well as supporting friendship with other faiths.

1978:   John Paul I dies just a month into his reign.  His successor, John Paul II, is a vigorous, charismatic Polish-born pope.  He is the first non-Italian pontiff in more than 450 years.  During his papacy, he makes more than 100 international trips, survives an assassination attempt and changes the worldwide image of the church.  A 1979 Mass in Chicago's Grant Park attracted 200,000 worshippers.

2013:  Pope Benedict XVI is the first pope in nearly 600 years to abdicate St. Peter's Throne.

And, there you have it, a very short history of the popes of the Catholic Church.