1985 Religion & Beliefs Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1985 Religion & Beliefs Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 01 Jan Mubarak reinstates head of Coptic church: On January 1, 1985, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak issued a decree reinstating Pope Shenouda III as the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church after more than three years in exile. Shenouda was banished in September 1981 by President Anwar Sadat, who accused him of inciting sectarian strife. The reinstatement allowed Shenouda to return to Cairo in time to preside over the Coptic Christmas mass on January 6. source: washingtonpost.com
- 27 Jan Pope John Paul II celebrates Mass in Venezuela: On January 27, 1985, Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass in Maracaibo, Venezuela, addressing an audience of close to a million people. During the Mass, he condemned divorce as a 'plague' that ruins family life and called for parental responsibility. He also expressed solidarity with the Church in El Salvador and Nicaragua, sending an embrace of peace to the archbishops of both countries. source: washingtonpost.com
- 26 Mar First World Youth Day announced by Pope John Paul II: Pope John Paul II announced the first World Youth Day, set to take place in Rome in 1986. This event aimed to bring together young people from around the world to celebrate their faith and foster a sense of community. The initiative has since grown into a significant global event held every few years in different locations. source: britannica.com
- 11 May Pope John Paul II Visits Netherlands: Pope John Paul II arrives in the Netherlands for an official state visit, marking a significant diplomatic and religious engagement between the Vatican and the Dutch government.
- 16 May Pope John Paul II's visit to Belgium begins on May 16, 1985: Pope John Paul II commenced his visit to Belgium on May 16, 1985, as part of an 11-day tour of the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium. The visit included meetings with King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola, open-air masses attended by large crowds, and addresses promoting unity among Belgium's French- and Dutch-speaking communities. source: upi.com
- 06 Aug Thousands mark Hiroshima anniversary: On August 6, 1985, approximately 55,000 people, including survivors of the atomic bombing, gathered in Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the bombing. The ceremony featured a moment of silence at 8:15 a.m., the exact time the bomb was dropped, accompanied by temple bells tolling and the release of 1,500 white doves symbolizing peace. Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone and Hiroshima Mayor Takeshi Araki, a bombing survivor, emphasized the theme 'No more Hiroshimas' in their addresses. source: upi.com
- 03 Oct Pope Declares Titus Brandsma Divine: Pope John Paul II declares Titus Brandsma, a Dutch Carmelite priest and academic who was martyred during World War II, as a divine figure within the Catholic Church.
- 05 Nov Death of Spencer W. Kimball, LDS Church President: Spencer W. Kimball, the 12th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away on November 5, 1985, at the age of 90 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He had been battling health issues for nearly 30 years, including operations for throat cancer, heart ailments, and subdural hematomas. Under his leadership, the church experienced significant growth and doctrinal developments. source: washingtonpost.com
- 20 Dec Pope John Paul II establishes World Youth Day: On December 20, 1985, Pope John Paul II officially established World Youth Day as a global event for young Catholics. The initiative aimed to encourage the participation of youth in the Church and to foster a sense of community among young people worldwide. The first World Youth Day was celebrated in Rome in 1986, and it has since become a significant event in the Catholic Church's calendar. source: britannica.com
- 29 Dec Pope John Paul II's papacy: Pope John Paul II, who served from 1978 until his death in 2005, was a significant figure in the Catholic Church. His papacy was marked by extensive travels and efforts to improve interfaith relations. On December 29, 1985, he continued to influence global religious and political landscapes. source: britannica.com
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