Franciscan Popes - Part 10
(An excerpt from a presentation by friar Joseph Wood OFM Conv.
Read the introduction to this series
Read Part 2 of the the series: Pope Gregory XI?
Part 3: Pope Nicholas IV
Part 4: Pope Alexander V
Part 5: (pope) Nicholas V
Part 6: Pope Sixtus IV
Part 7: Pope Julius II
Part 7b: Cardinal Nephews
Part 8: Pope Sixtus V
Part 8b: Pope Sixtus’ Notable Relatives
Part 9: Pope Clement XIV)
Here’s a list of our Secular Franciscan Popes and some of their significant contributions to Francescana –
Pope Pius IX declared the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception in 1854 based on the work of John Duns Scotus, among others.
Pope Leo XIII, in 1882, wrote the encyclical, “Auspicato Concessum,” honoring Saint Francis’ 700th birthday. With “Felicitate quadam,” Oct. 4, 1897, he united the OFM reform groups into union with the Observants.
Pope Pius X, in 1909, his Apostolic Letter, “Septimo iam,” declared that all three branches of the Order were truly equal in dignity and that none were to be called more ancient than the others, all having their true origin traced back to the Seraphic Rule without interruption.
Pope Benedict XV named St. Francis the “Patron of Catholic Action.” On Jan. 6, 1921, he wrote the encyclical, “Sacra Propediem,” for the 700th anniversary of the founding of the OFS.
Pope Pius XI, on April 30, 1926, wrote the encyclical, “Rite Expiatis,” honoring St. Francis during the 700th anniversary of his death. He beatified John F. Burte & Comp., Conventual martyrs of the French Revolution, 1926.
Pope Pius XII, in 1940, named St. Francis “Patron Saint of Italy” on the eve of WW II. He beatified John Baptist Triquerie, Conventual martyr of the French Revolution, in 1955.
Pope John XXIII, on Oct. 4, 1962, traveled to Assisi to pray at the tomb of St. Francis asking his intercession for the upcoming Second Vatican Council.
Next up some other significant contributors to Francescana –
