John Paul II three weeks away from third longest pontificate in history
Vatican City, Feb 25, 2004 / 12:00 am (CNA).- The pontificate of John Paul II is approaching a new record. On March 17 it will become the third longest in history.
In three weeks, the Holy Father will have completed 25 years, 5 months and 1 day on the throne of St. Peter, surpassing the length of Leo XIII’s pontificate (1878-1903).
Only St. Peter and Pius IX have reigned longer. Pius IX guided the Church for 31 years, 7 months and 2 days, from 1846 to 1878.
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