John Paul II three weeks away from third longest pontificate in history

Vatican City, Feb 25, 2004 / 12:00 am MT (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.