Matthew Walther

The isolated, gloomy Pontiff is a sympathetic figure – and I have an extra reason to be grateful to him

Including an Irish saint who loved birds, and the unfortunately-named St Arian

Including a great English martyr and a monk famed for his icon painting

Including the Florentine nobleman who led a life of uninterrupted charity

Including the king who relinquished his throne and the martyr who threw herself onto a fire

Including the saint who travelled on the back of a sea monster, and a weaver who was forced to become a bishop