1277 A.D.
Death of Pope John XXI, 187th successor of Peter, the first Portuguese Pope who died when the ceiling of the Viturbo Palace, which had been hastily erected, collapsed on top of the pontiff and some of his entourage. He died a few days later from internal injuries. It was similar to what happened in Assisi when the frescos fell on two friars a few years ago.
1444 A.D.
Death of Saint Bernardine of Siena whose feast we celebrate today. This Franciscan served as vicar general of his order and became a bishop. This missionary was known far and wide for preaching devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. He was canonized by Pope Nicholas V in 1450. For more on him, see DAILY LITURGY
1506 A.D.
Death of Christopher Columbus, who, despite all his great accomplishments and acknowledgment from Queen Isabella, died in poverty and neglect at Valladolid, Spain.
1536 A.D.
A day after dispatching of Anne Boleyn, the irreverant King Henry VIII marries Jane Seymour (not the actress), further raising the ire of Rome and Pope Paul III who would excommunicate the king two years later.
1571 A.D.
Pope Saint Pius V, the 225th successor of Peter, forms the Holy League in alliance with Venice and Spain which would be the nucleus, along with the Papal States of the navy that would defeat the great Turkish fleet at the landmark battle of Lepanto under Don Juan of Austria later the same year on October 7th.