February 11

Born Niccolo Sfondrati, he was elected Pope Gregory XIV in December 1590. His short pontificate focused on supporting Catholic causes in Europe and opposing Protestant advances. He reinforced the military and financial aid to the Catholic League in France. Gregory XIV addressed Church reforms and attempted to mediate conflicts among European powers. He died less than a year later, leaving a legacy marked by his diplomatic efforts.

William Carstares played a pivotal role in the Presbyterian Church of Scotland during the Glorious Revolution. He served as a trusted counselor to William II of Orange and influenced royal policy on religious matters. In 1690, he became Principal of the University of Edinburgh and promoted modern education reforms. Carstares advocated for academic freedom and strengthened the university's reputation across Europe. His leadership in both church and university left a durable legacy in Scottish intellectual life.

Jōsei Toda studied economics at Sophia University before dedicating his life to education and peace activism through Nichiren Buddhism. After World War II, he transformed the Soka Kyoiku Gakkai into Soka Gakkai, a global lay Buddhist movement emphasizing humanistic values. As president, he launched a campaign for nuclear disarmament, gathering millions of signatures for a petition presented to the United Nations. Toda also introduced the concept of human revolution, inspiring members to pursue inner growth for social change. He mentored Daisaku Ikeda, who succeeded him and expanded Soka Gakkai internationally. Toda's vision laid the foundation for the movement's educational and humanitarian efforts.