1124
Pope Honorius II elected
On December 21, 1124, Cardinal Lamberto Scannabecchi was elected pope, taking the name Honorius II. His election ended a disputed conclave and he worked to reconcile with the Holy Roman Emperor.
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All Events
1375
Giovanni Boccaccio dies
The Italian writer and humanist Giovanni Boccaccio, known for the Decameron, died on this day. Though not a cleric, his works influenced religious thought and Renaissance humanism.
1520
Martin Luther burns papal bull
On December 21, 1520, Martin Luther publicly burned the papal bull Exsurge Domine, which threatened him with excommunication. This act symbolized his break with the Roman Catholic Church and fueled the Reformation.
1545
Council of Trent begins
The Council of Trent, a key council of the Catholic Counter-Reformation, held its first session on December 21, 1545. It addressed doctrinal and reform issues in response to Protestantism.
1620
Pilgrims land at Plymouth
The Mayflower Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock on December 21, 1620. They were Separatists seeking religious freedom, and their settlement became a foundation of American religious liberty.
1773
Pope Clement XIV suppresses Jesuits
On December 21, 1773, Pope Clement XIV issued the brief Dominus ac Redemptor, formally suppressing the Society of Jesus. The order was restored in 1814.
1823
First performance of 'Silent Night'
The beloved Christmas carol 'Silent Night' was first performed on December 24, 1818, but its anniversary is often celebrated on December 21. The song was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber with lyrics by Joseph Mohr.
1937
First issue of 'The Christian Century' as weekly
On December 21, 1937, The Christian Century, an influential Protestant magazine, began weekly publication. It has shaped mainline Protestant thought and social commentary.
1963
First session of Vatican II closes
The first session of the Second Vatican Council concluded on December 21, 1963. This ecumenical council initiated major reforms in the Catholic Church, including liturgical changes and ecumenical dialogue.
1968
Apollo 8 reads Genesis
On December 21, 1968, Apollo 8 launched, and on Christmas Eve the crew read from the Book of Genesis. The broadcast was the most watched TV program at the time, blending space exploration with scripture.
1991
Pope John Paul II appoints first African cardinal from Madagascar
On December 21, 1991, Pope John Paul II created Cardinal Armand Razafindratandra, the first cardinal from Madagascar. This reflected the Church's growing global diversity.