John Paul II becomes second longest ruling Pope.

Today John Pope Paul II becomes the second longest ruling Pope in history, with a pontificate lasting 9,281 days (over 25 years). He passes Leo XIII, who held the holy see from 1878 – 1903; the longest running Pope was Pius IX, Leo XIII's precursor and holder of the title from 1846 to 1878. Note: Because the Vatican includes St. Peter (died c.64 A.D.) in their official lists, they consider John Paul to be the third longest ruling Pope, with St. Peter the first and longest serving.