What if one man’s words could shape how we think about love, power, and fate?
April 23rd marks the birthday (and death day) of the greatest playwright in history.
Who was Shakespeare, really? 🧵 👇
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, April 1564. A glove-maker’s son, he rose from humble roots to become a cultural titan. His life is a riddle wrapped in genius.
Shakespeare grew up in Stratford, likely attending grammar school where he studied Latin and rhetoric. But his early life remains a mystery, fueling centuries of speculation.
In 2025 years, the Catholic Church has crowned 266 popes.
Few were loved like Pope John Paul II — a poet, philosopher, and global icon.
Let’s dive into his extraordinary story. 🧵 ↓
Born Karol Wojtyła in 1920 in Wadowice, Poland, he grew up in a world of hardship.
His mother died when he was 8, his brother soon after. Nazi occupation forced him into manual labor.
Yet, he found solace in poetry and faith.
Under Nazi rule, Karol risked his life studying theology in a secret seminary. By night, he wrote plays and acted in underground theater, resisting oppression through art.
The election of a pope is one of the oldest and most fascinating rituals, blending faith, politics, and pageantry in the Vatican.
Let’s dive into the Conclave, step by step. 👇
1. When a pope dies or resigns (like Benedict XVI in 2013), the Church enters Sede Vacante — the vacant seat.
The Camerlengo, a cardinal, manages affairs temporarily.
Preparations for the Conclave begin.
2. Who Elects the Pope?
The College of Cardinals elects the pope, but only those under 80 vote. Around 120 cardinals, representing the global Church, gather in Vatican City for secrecy and focus.
With the passing of Pope Francis, the Vatican stands at a crossroads.
The Cardinals will enter a conclave, where the next pope will be chosen.
Here are 12 of the contenders. 🧵👇
1. Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco
- Born: January 14, 1943, Pontevico, Italy
- Became Cardinal: March 24, 2006
- Serves as: Archbishop Emeritus of Genoa, Italy
A theological ally of conservative Church leaders, Bagnasco is recognized for his strong leadership and traditional views.
2. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi
- Born: October 11, 1955, Rome, Italy
- Became Cardinal: October 5, 2019
- Serves as: Archbishop of Bologna, Italy
Known for his pastoral care, peace advocacy, and commitment to social justice. Zuppi is a unifying figure within the Church, fostering interfaith dialogue.