The Most Famous Catholic, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the Catholic you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 2, 2024 07:03

In the tapestry of global culture and religion, Catholics have etched a profound impact through various spheres including science, art, and politics. Understanding who resonates most with people today can offer insights into the current values and inspirations derived from these influential figures. This interactive ranking invites you to participate in shaping a live, dynamic list of influential Catholics. By casting your votes, you contribute to a collective recognition of those whose lives and works continue to influence many around the world.

Who Is the Most Famous Catholic?

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70
votes
Presidenza della Repubblica · Attribution

Pope Francis

As the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis is arguably the most famous Catholic in the world. He is known for his progressive views on social issues and his efforts to reform the Vatican.
Pope Francis in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Jesuit
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular religious leaders in the world
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Bishop
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous living Italian
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Argentinian
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous leader
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17
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Túrelio · CC BY-SA 2.0 de

Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun who dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick in India. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious order that now operates in over 130 countries.
Mother Teresa was a renowned humanitarian and the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, an international religious congregation dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor. She is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful personalities in the world for her selfless devotion to helping others.

Birth Name: Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu

Date of Birth: August 26, 1910

Place of Birth: Skopje, Kosovo Vilayet, Ottoman Empire (Present-day North Macedonia)

Nationality: Albanian and Indian

Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Mother Teresa in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous missionary
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous mother
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful personality in the world
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Virgo
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous religious figure
- Position 9 of 10 in Most brilliant person in India
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17
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Saint Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church. He is known for his commitment to poverty, humility, and love for all creatures.
Saint Francis of Assisi in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Italian saint
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous saint in the Catholic Church
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16
votes
No Swan So Fine · CC BY-SA 4.0

Saint John Paul II

Saint John Paul II was the head of the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005. He was known for his charismatic personality, his commitment to social justice, and his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue.
Saint John Paul II in other rankings
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous saint in the Catholic Church
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19
votes

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux was a French nun who is known for her devotion to God and her "little way" of spiritual simplicity. She is a patron saint of missions and is widely venerated by Catholics around the world.
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11
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Paul R. Burley · CC BY-SA 4.0

Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Saint Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish priest and theologian who founded the Jesuit order. He is known for his spiritual exercises and his commitment to education and social justice.
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11
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Excel23 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine was a philosopher and theologian who lived in the 4th and 5th centuries. He is known for his influential writings on theology, including his Confessions and The City of God.
Saint Augustine in other rankings
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous priest
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6
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Carlo Crivelli · Public domain

Saint Thomas Aquinas

Saint Thomas Aquinas was a theologian and philosopher who lived in the 13th century. He is known for his Summa Theologica, a comprehensive work that synthesized the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Saint Thomas Aquinas in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous saint in the Catholic Church
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous priest
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5
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Saint Catherine of Siena

Saint Catherine of Siena was a 14th century Italian nun who is known for her mystical experiences and her efforts to reform the Church. She is also a patron saint of Italy.
Saint Catherine of Siena is one of the most popular female saints in Christian history. She was born in 1347 in Siena, Italy and is known for her great spiritual insights, mystical experiences, and dedicated service to the Church. Catherine played a crucial role in the resolution of the Western Schism, a significant crisis that split the Catholic Church into competing factions. She is also renowned for her prolific correspondence, advocating for Church reform and addressing political leaders of her time.

Birth Year: 1347

Birthplace: Siena, Italy

Spiritual Insights: Known for her great spiritual insights

Mystical Experiences: Had numerous mystical experiences

Service to the Church: Dedicated service to the Catholic Church
Saint Catherine of Siena in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful female saint
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Italian saint
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular female saint
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9
votes
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was an American nun who founded the first Catholic school in the United States. She is known for her commitment to education and her efforts to promote the Catholic faith in the United States.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, born on August 28, 1774, in New York City, was the first native-born citizen of the United States to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. She is recognized as the patroness of Catholic schools in the United States.

Birthdate: August 28, 1774

Birthplace: New York City, United States

Death Date: January 4, 1821

Canonization Date: September 14, 1975

Feast Day: January 4th
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular female saint
- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful female saint

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Ranking factors for famous Catholic

Popularity

The person's overall fame and recognition in the public eye.
Accomplishments

The person's significant contributions to the Catholic Church, society and culture.
Historical impact

The person's role and influence in shaping the course of Catholic history.
Religious devotion

The person's commitment to practicing and promoting Catholicism.
Global impact

The person's reach and influence across the world, particularly in Catholic countries and communities.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Catholic. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Catholic is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1866 views
174 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Catholic once every 24 hours. The rank of each Catholic is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous catholic

Background: Catholicism is the largest Christian denomination in the world, with over 1.3 billion followers. Throughout history, there have been many influential and well-known figures who have identified as Catholic. From popes to saints to celebrities, the Catholic faith has been embraced by people from all walks of life. When it comes to determining the most famous Catholic, there are many different factors to consider. Some may argue that a particular pope, such as Pope Francis or Saint John Paul II, is the most famous due to their global influence and leadership within the Catholic Church. Others may point to famous Catholic figures in history, such as Mother Teresa or St. Augustine, who have had a lasting impact on the world. On the other hand, there are also many well-known celebrities who identify as Catholic, such as Mel Gibson, Mark Wahlberg, and Lady Gaga. These individuals have used their platform to speak about their faith and incorporate Catholic themes into their work. Ultimately, the question of who is the most famous Catholic is subjective and depends on one's personal interpretation of fame and influence. Nonetheless, there is no denying the significant impact that Catholicism has had on the world and the many notable figures who have been a part of its history.