Historical Events in Church Annals for April 16:

556 A.D.


Roman-born Pope Pelagius I becomes the sixtieth successor of Peter. He was the pope who built the Church of the Twelve Apostles.

1071 A.D.


The Normans capture Bari on the Adriatic coast of Italy. Rome can do nothing, embattled between Pope Alexander II and the antipope Honorius. Though the original intent was to rid Italy of the infidels invading Italian soil, the Norman victory firmly entrenched them in Italy where they would take hold for centuries to come.

1189 A.D.


Death of Saint Drogo, also known as Druon, a Flemish saint who became a hermit in Sebourg, France and is today the Patron Saint of Shepherds.

1245 A.D.


Pope Innocent IV, a pope of questionable character, sends John of Plan de Carpine as papal envoy to the Mongols.

1319 A.D.


Birth of John II "the Good", who would go on to be monarch of France.

April 16, 1998 volume 9, no. 74        ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME       DAILY CATHOLIC