1187
Siege of Jerusalem begins
Saladin's forces begin the siege of Jerusalem, leading to the city's capture and the end of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. This event prompted the Third Crusade and shaped Christian-Muslim relations for centuries.
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All Events
1263
Battle of Largs
A skirmish between Norwegian and Scottish forces, part of the Scottish-Norwegian War. While not a religious event, it influenced the later ecclesiastical and political ties between Scotland and Norway.
1535
Jacques Cartier reaches Hochelaga
French explorer Jacques Cartier arrives at the site of present-day Montreal, where he is greeted by the Iroquois. This expedition laid groundwork for later French Catholic missions in Canada.
1836
Charles Darwin returns from HMS Beagle voyage
Darwin's return to England after his five-year voyage. His subsequent work on evolution would later challenge and reshape Christian theological interpretations of creation.
1871
Mormon leader Brigham Young arrested
Brigham Young, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is arrested on charges of polygamy. This was part of federal efforts against the practice, which the church later disavowed.
1900
First issue of 'The Christian Science Monitor'
Founded by Mary Baker Eddy, this newspaper was established to 'injure no man, but to bless all mankind.' It remains a notable example of religiously inspired journalism.
1919
Pope Benedict XV proclaims St. Ephrem a Doctor of the Church
Pope Benedict XV declared St. Ephrem the Syrian, a fourth-century deacon and poet, a Doctor of the Church. This recognized his significant contributions to theology and hymnody.
1928
Josemaría Escrivá founds Opus Dei
St. Josemaría Escrivá established Opus Dei in Madrid, Spain, as a Catholic organization promoting lay holiness and sanctification of daily work. It later became a personal prelature of the Pope.
1958
Pope Pius XII dies
Pope Pius XII, who led the Catholic Church through World War II, dies at Castel Gandolfo. His papacy was marked by controversial wartime decisions and significant doctrinal declarations.
1967
Thurgood Marshall sworn in as Supreme Court Justice
Marshall became the first African American Supreme Court Justice. His legal work, including the Brown v. Board case, had profound implications for religious freedom and civil rights.
2002
John Paul II canonizes Josemaría Escrivá
Pope John Paul II canonized Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, in St. Peter's Square. The ceremony drew hundreds of thousands, highlighting Escrivá's global influence.