Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 January 1902 — REIGNS OF POPES. [ARTICLE]

REIGNS OF POPES.

Only Four Have Governed the Church Longer Than Leo. XIII. Only four popes have governed the church for a longer period, of time than Leo XIII. The apostle Peter’s pontificate lasted thirty-four years, from A. D. 33 to 67; that of Plus IX., thirty-one years, from 1846 to 1878; of Plus VI. twenty-four years, from 1775 to 1799, and Adrian’s twenty-three years and ten months from 772 to 795. Leo XIII. has now reigned for twentythree years and nine months, having been elected to the papal throne on Feb. 20, 1878." The pope St. Agathus died in 682 at the age of 107 years; Gregory IX. in 1241, aged 99; Celestine 111. in 1198 at the age of 92 years. Leo XIII. will probably reach the age of Celestine, and it is hoped that of Gregory IX.