By Michael Gryboski, Editor Sunday, April 27, 2025

This week in Christian week: pope excommunicates Venice, Salisbury Cathedral construction begins, Father Francis Duffy born

Throughout the extensive history of the Church, there have been numerous events of lasting significance.

Each week marks anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, memorable births and notable deaths.

Some of the events, drawn from over 2,000 years of history, might be familiar, while others might be unknown to many.

The following pages highlight anniversaries of memorable events that occurred this week in Christian history. They include Venice being excommunicated, the construction on Salisbury Cathedral, and the birth of Father Francis Duffy.

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By Michael Gryboski, Editor Sunday, April 27, 2025

Pope Julius II excommunicates Venice – April 27, 1509

This week marks the anniversary of when Pope Julius II issued an excommunication and interdict against the entire city of Venice due to its growing political power.

Julius II had sought to reinforce the political influence of the Papal States and issued the edict, which allowed for other competing powers “to attack or despoil” Venice “or any of her subjects, to obstruct her traffic on land or sea and to do her all possible harm and hurt.”

The Venetian Republic initially ignored the edict; it eventually caved into the political pressure of the pope due to numerous military defeats by powers inspired by the interdict.

“The horrified Venetians submitted to Pope Julius who, in a remarkable volte-face, allied the papacy with Venice to prevent the French from menacing his power in Italy,” wrote Richard Cavendish for History Today in 2009.

“After his improbable transformation into the savior of Venice, Julius died in 1513. After years of fighting, complicated maneuverings and shifting alliances, the situation in Italy returned to the uneasy stalemate of the beginning of his papacy.”