Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Pope

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 28, 2025

Discover the career path of Pope, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and the head of the Catholic Church, considered by Catholics to be the successor of Saint Peter. Historically, the Pope ruled the Papal States and now serves as head of state of Vatican City. The Pope's authority stems from the belief that Jesus granted Saint Peter primacy, giving him the 'Keys of Heaven.' Leo XIV is the current Pope, elected on May 8, 2025.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1950: Pope Pius XII Defines the Assumption of Mary as Dogma

In 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary as dogma. This was the only time a pope has spoken ex cathedra since papal infallibility was explicitly declared.

1959: John XXIII announces Second Vatican Council

In 1959, Pope John XXIII announced his intention to establish the Second Vatican Council.

1964: Dogmatic Constitution on the Church

In 1964, the Second Vatican Council declared the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church.

1978: Election of John Paul II

Prior to the election of the Polish-born John Paul II in 1978, those elected to the papacy were predominantly Italians. He was the first non-Italian pope since 1522.

1996: Universi Dominici Gregis

In 1996, Pope John Paul II promulgated Universi Dominici Gregis, which outlined the regulations regarding a papal interregnum.

2005: Inclusion of Title

From 1863 to 2005, the Annuario Pontificio also included the title "patriarch of the West".

March 2006: Vatican Statement on "Patriarch of the West"

On 22 March 2006, the Vatican released a statement explaining the omission of the title "patriarch of the West" from the Annuario Pontificio.

October 2007: Ravenna Document

On 13 October 2007, the Ravenna Document was created by theologians chosen by the Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox Churches.

2007: Revocation of Simple Majority Rule

In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI revoked the simple majority rule (after a deadlock of twelve days) by motu proprio.

February 2013: Benedict XVI Vacated the Holy See

On 28 February 2013, Benedict XVI vacated the Holy See. This was the first papal resignation since 1415.

June 2013: Encyclical Dated 29 June 2013

In June 2013, Pope Francis signed an encyclical with his name alone ("Franciscus") in Latin.

2015: Francis played a role in brokering the 2015 improvement in relations between the United States and Cuba.

In 2015, Pope Francis played a significant role in brokering improved relations between the United States and Cuba, demonstrating the Pope's influence in international diplomacy.