Pope Benedict XIV
Pope and Theologian
Served as Pope from 1740 until death in 1758. Theological writings included significant works on the relationship between faith and reason. His papacy was marked by efforts in reforming the clergy and promoting peace during European conflicts. Established the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, enhancing the Catholic Church's presence in mission territories. Advocated for the arts and sciences, supporting artists and scholars in their endeavors.
Published numerous theological works
Reformed the clergy and established missions
Promoted arts and sciences
Other People Born on March 31st
Sander Raieste
Professional basketball player in Estonia
Born
March 31st, 1999 26 years ago
Played basketball in the Estonian league and represented the national team. Raieste's career included stints with Tartu Ülikool and participating in various international competitions. Contributed to his team’s performance in the Estonian league and had experience in European tournaments. Demonstrated skills in both offensive and defensive plays.
Continue ReadingJo-Lonn Dunbar
American football linebacker
Born
March 31st, 1985 40 years ago
Played linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the New Orleans Saints and other teams. Contributed to the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV victory in the 2009 season. Started his professional career after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009. Recorded various tackles and defensive statistics throughout his career, showcasing his skills in multiple seasons.
Continue ReadingIvan Mishyn
Ukrainian race car driver
Born
March 31st, 1985 40 years ago
Born in Ukraine in 1985, a race car driver gained attention for competing in various racing series. Achievements include participation in the Ukrainian Touring Car Championship and several international events, showcasing driving skills and technical knowledge in competitive motorsport environments.
Continue ReadingJalmar Sjöberg
Swedish wrestler with Olympic experience
Born
March 31st, 1985 40 years ago
Competed in wrestling at an elite level, participating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Achieved success in numerous national and international championships, representing Sweden in various weight classes. Secured multiple titles in European Wrestling Championships, showcasing technical skill and determination on the mat.
Continue ReadingEdon Zhegrova
Professional footballer with Lille OSC
Born
March 31st, 1999 26 years ago
Born in Germany, a professional footballer played as a winger. Began career at VfL Bochum before moving to the Swiss club Basel, where made significant contributions in domestic competitions. Transferred to Lille OSC in France, participating in Ligue 1 and European competitions. Represented Kosovo at the international level, earning caps and contributing to the national team's efforts in qualifiers.
Continue ReadingAndreas Dober
Austrian footballer with SK Rapid Wien
Born
March 31st, 1986 39 years ago
Playing primarily as a defender, this professional footballer started his career with the youth academy of SK Rapid Wien. He made his debut for the senior team in 2006. Throughout his career, he played for various clubs, including stints in the Austrian Football Bundesliga. Recognized for his defensive skills, he became a regular feature in the teams he played for and contributed significantly to their defensive line.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 3rd
Ferdinando Paer
Italian composer and conductor
Born
July 1st, 1771 254 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1839 186 years ago — 67 years old
Born in 1771, significant contributions to opera and sacred music marked a prolific career. Composed over twenty operas, with 'I Fuorusciti' as one of the major highlights. Conducted orchestras in various Italian theaters, influencing musical styles during the early 19th century. Later, worked in Paris, further developing composing techniques and exploring collaborations with other musicians, notably gaining recognition for theatrical works. Departure from mainstream Italian operatic forms helped pave new paths in compositions.
Continue ReadingHeinrich Ignaz Franz Biber
Violinist and composer of the Rosary Sonatas
Born
August 12th, 1644 381 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1704 321 years ago — 59 years old
Biber served as a composer and violinist in the 17th century. Born in Bohemia, he spent a significant portion of his career in Austria. Biber developed a unique style that combined elements of the Baroque with folk influences. His work included sacred music and instrumental compositions. The Rosary Sonatas, a set of fifteen sonatas for violin and continuo, remain one of his most significant contributions to classical music, showcasing innovative violin techniques and rich harmonic structures. Biber held the position of court composer for several influential archbishops during his time in Salzburg.
Continue ReadingDick Rutan
Military aviator and record-setting pilot
Born
1938 88 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 2024 1 years ago — 86 years old
A military aviator and aerospace engineer, contributed significantly to aviation history. Gained prominence as the pilot of Voyager, the first aircraft to fly around the world non-stop without refueling. This historic flight took place in December 1986, covering approximately 26,000 miles in 9 days, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, engaged in various aerospace projects and played a vital role in developing new aircraft technologies. Rutan also authored multiple aviation-focused publications, providing insights into his experiences and innovations in flight.
Continue ReadingBill Downs
American journalist and WWII correspondent
Born
August 17th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1978 47 years ago — 63 years old
Contributed significant coverage of World War II as a war correspondent for the CBS network. Reported from various battlefronts, providing firsthand accounts of major events such as the liberation of Paris and the Normandy invasion. Played a pivotal role in the development of radio journalism during wartime, showcasing the power of live reporting. Continued to work in broadcasting post-war, influencing the field of journalism for decades.
Continue ReadingJohn Leverett the Younger
American lawyer and politician
Born
August 25th, 1662 363 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1724 301 years ago — 61 years old
Born in 1662, a lawyer and politician contributed to the academic and political landscape of early America. Served as the president of Harvard College from 1708 to 1724, overseeing its growth and development during a formative period. Participated in various civic duties in Massachusetts and engaged in local governance, impacting legislation and community affairs.
Continue ReadingJack Weston
American actor in 'The Hospital'
Born
August 21st, 1924 101 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1996 29 years ago — 71 years old
An American actor active from the 1950s through the early 2000s. Contributed to film and television with a notable presence in stage performances. Featured prominently in 'The Hospital' alongside George C. Scott. Appeared in television shows including 'The Golden Girls' and 'The Twilight Zone'. Engaged in various roles that showcased comedic and dramatic talents.
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