Born in Tuscany about 1023, Hildebrand (Later Pope Gregory VII) was sent to a monastery to be educated under John Gratian. When Gratian was elected Pope, Hildebrand became his personal secretary.  He also served Pope Leo IX as counsellor and treasurer of the Church’s finances.  After serving as chief counsellor...

Child of a noble family, Bernardine, born 1380, was orphaned at 7 and raised by loving relatives who provided him with an excellent education. During an outbreak of the plague in 1400, he ministered to the sick, inspiring other young men to take the same risk.  In 1402, he entered...