October 18

Born in Corsignano, he studied canon law and rose through the Church hierarchy to become a cardinal in 1446. Known for his erudition, he authored poetry, histories, and his own autobiography, becoming the first pope to write memoirs. Elected pope in 1458, he convened the Congress of Mantua in 1459 to organize a crusade against the Ottoman Turks. He was a patron of the arts and letters, commissioning architectural projects and supporting scholars across Europe. Despite political challenges, his pontificate strengthened papal diplomacy and cultural patronage during the Renaissance. He died in 1464, leaving behind important literary and diplomatic legacies.

Born near Lisbon, he joined the Society of Jesus in 1542 and was ordained a priest before being sent to Brazil in 1549. As one of the first Jesuit missionaries, he co-founded the city of São Paulo and several catechetical villages (reductions). He learned local indigenous languages, advocated for native rights, and sought peaceful methods of conversion. Nóbrega established schools that combined religious instruction with basic literacy and vocational training. His letters and reports provided Europe with early accounts of Brazilian geography, culture, and colonial challenges. He died in Rio de Janeiro in 1570, having laid the foundations for Jesuit education and missions in Brazil.

Matthew Henry was born in 1662 in Flintshire, Wales, and was educated at University College, Oxford. He devoted his life to ministry, serving as a Nonconformist minister at Chester before moving to Hackney, London. His most enduring work, the 'Commentary on the Whole Bible,' was completed shortly before his death and published posthumously in six volumes. Henry's commentary offered verse-by-verse expositions, blending theological insight with practical application for everyday believers. He also wrote sermons, letters, and a 'Dictionary and Concordance of the Bible' that aided biblical study. Henry's accessible writing style and pastoral care have made his works staples in Christian literature for centuries.

Jaime Lucas Ortega y Alamino was ordained as a priest in 1964 and became Archbishop of Havana in 1981. He was elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1994, becoming a leading voice for Cuban Catholics. Ortega y Alamino fostered dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Cuban government, playing a key role in the island's social initiatives. He also acted as a mediator in the thaw of U.S.-Cuba relations, engaging with international leaders. After retiring in 2016, he continued to advocate for religious freedom and pastoral care. His death in 2019 marked the end of an era of reconciliation and outreach for the Church in Cuba.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi has served as President of the Pontifical Council for Culture since 2007. A respected biblical scholar, he authored numerous works on theology, art, and cultural heritage. Ravasi's initiatives promote dialogue between faith and contemporary culture through exhibitions and publications. He gained acclaim for blending scholarly rigor with accessible commentary on sacred texts. Born in 1942, his leadership in the Vatican has fostered global conversations on faith, art, and science.

He launched the Islamic Research Foundation in Mumbai to promote Islamic teachings across the world. Naik gained international attention for his televised debates and lectures, emphasizing comparative religion and peaceful coexistence. His articulate speaking style and reference to religious texts have drawn both praise and criticism in various countries. He has delivered lectures in dozens of countries, engaging with scholars and audiences of different faiths. His philanthropic initiatives include humanitarian assistance through IRF projects. Despite controversy and legal challenges, he remains a prominent figure in modern Islamic discourse.