858
Pope Benedict III elected
Benedict III was consecrated as Bishop of Rome on April 17, 858, after a contested election. His pontificate was marked by efforts to maintain papal authority amid Carolingian political turmoil.
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All Events
1377
Pope Gregory XI returns to Rome
Pope Gregory XI entered Rome on April 17, 1377, ending the Avignon Papacy. His return was a pivotal moment for the Western Church, though it soon led to the Western Schism.
1492
Christopher Columbus signs contract for Indies voyage
On April 17, 1492, the Capitulations of Santa Fe were signed, granting Columbus titles and a share of profits for his proposed voyage. This agreement led to the Spanish-sponsored expedition that would bring Christianity to the Americas.
1521
Martin Luther excommunicated by Pope Leo X
The papal bull Decet Romanum Pontificem, issued on January 3, 1521, was formally delivered to Luther on April 17, 1521, at the Diet of Worms. This action solidified Luther's break with Rome and fueled the Protestant Reformation.
1524
Giovanni da Verrazzano sights New York Bay
On April 17, 1524, the Florentine explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, sailing for France, entered New York Bay. His voyage contributed to European knowledge of the New World and later Catholic missionary efforts.
1534
Thomas More imprisoned in the Tower of London
Sir Thomas More was imprisoned on April 17, 1534, for refusing to swear the Oath of Supremacy recognizing Henry VIII as head of the Church of England. He was canonized in 1935 as a martyr for Catholic conscience.
1682
Robert Bellarmine canonized
On April 17, 1682, Pope Innocent XI canonized Robert Bellarmine, a Jesuit theologian and cardinal. Bellarmine was a key figure in the Counter-Reformation and later declared a Doctor of the Church in 1931.
1790
Death of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin died on April 17, 1790. Though a deist, Franklin supported religious freedom and contributed to the founding of the first non-denominational church in Philadelphia.
1861
Virginia secedes from the Union
On April 17, 1861, Virginia seceded, leading to the creation of the Confederate States. This event had profound effects on American churches, which split along sectional lines over slavery.
1964
Jerrie Mock completes solo flight around the world
On April 17, 1964, Jerrie Mock became the first woman to fly solo around the world. Her achievement inspired many, including in Christian missionary aviation circles.
1969
First issue of the New American Bible published
The New American Bible, a Catholic translation from the original languages, was first published on April 17, 1969. It became the standard Catholic Bible in the United States.
2014
Popes John XXIII and John Paul II canonized
On April 17, 2014, Pope Francis canonized John XXIII and John Paul II in a ceremony at St. Peter's Square. The event drew millions and highlighted their roles in Vatican II and the fall of communism.