1503 A.D.
Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere is elected the 216th successor of Peter, taking the name Pope Julius II. His pontificate would last ten years. It was he who commissioned Italian masters Michelangelo and Raphael to contribute to the art of the Vatican and St. Peter's which was completed during his reign. He would also convene the 18th Ecumenical Council in hopes of stemming revolt from many who questioned the Church. As we know it did not work and the schism became a reality during the papacy of his successor Pope Leo X.
1512 A.D.
The first painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo is opened to the public by Pope Julius II.
1776 A.D.
Blessed Padre Junipero Serra founds Mission San Juan Capistrano on the shores of the mighty Pacific ocean in Southern California.
1885 A.D.
Pope Leo XIII issues his 16th encyclical Immortale Dei on the Christian constitution of states.
1914 A.D.
Pope Benedict XV publishes his first encyclical Ad beatissimi Apostolorum which was an appeal for peace in the face of World War I.
1939 A.D.
Pope Pius XII issues his second encyclical Sertum laetitiae directed to the United States bishops on the 150th anniversary of the hierarchy in the USA in 1789
1956 A.D.
Pope Pius XII releases his 34th encyclical Laetamur admodum beseeching peace in Poland, Hungary and the mideast through prayer.