Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History

The modern pope is the spiritual leader of 1.2 billion Catholics, who wields international influence on both religious and secular issues. But to understand how one man rises to such heights, we must go back to the origins of the Catholic Church.

In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI's resignation shocks the world. In the 2,000-year history of the papacy, only four men have ever stepped down. And in times when more than one living man has laid claim to the throne of St. Peter, chaos ensues.

The Renaissance marks the emergence of the papacy as a chief patron of art, architecture, music, and literature. But cultural advancement is accompanied by increasing corruption and ambition, as popes acquire temporal power and political influence.

After the excess and scandal of the Renaissance era, the papacy looks to reclaim its sense of morality and leadership while men like Martin Luther begin to question the absolute power of the papacy and initiate a splintering of the universal church.

From Vatican City's retreat to autonomy in 1929 through the Nazi invasion of Rome in 1943, the pope navigates his place as a spiritual leader in an increasingly political world. See how the modern church continues to wrestle with past sins.

Pope John Paul II showed the world how a man of devout faith and immeasurable power can reimagine an ancient institution in contemporary times-a tradition that continues with the reform of Pope Francis.