Historical events for
Friday, 24 April 2026

Henri-Philippe Pétain (born April 24, 1856, and died July 23, 1951) was a French marshal and controversial leader. A World War I hero in the defense of Verdun, he would later collaborate with Nazi Germany as head of the Vichy regime, being subsequently convicted of treason.

Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen (born October 1, 1577, and died April 24, 1622) was a Capuchin friar and martyr. A former lawyer of excellence, he dedicated his religious life to preaching, ultimately being assassinated during his missions in Switzerland.

Foundation of the United States Library of Congress by President John Adams. It is one of the largest and most prestigious libraries in the world, serving as a vital research center and preserving an invaluable collection of global memory.

Freedom Day marks the triumph of the Carnation Revolution in Portugal. Led by the Armed Forces Movement (MFA), the peaceful military coup overthrew the Estado Novo dictatorship, restoring democracy and civil rights after almost five decades of oppression.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is formally inaugurated as the 265th Pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Benedict XVI. The German theologian succeeded John Paul II, becoming the first Germanic pontiff since Adrian VI in the 16th century.

Official launch of the Apple Watch. The innovative device quickly established itself as one of the most commercially successful smartwatches, revolutionizing how society interacts with wearable technology and health monitoring.

Emmanuel Macron is re-elected President of the French Republic, obtaining 58.55% of the votes in the second round of the presidential elections. His victory over candidate Marine Le Pen guaranteed the continuity of his centrist and pro-European political project.

The Moon enters the First Quarter phase at 03:31 (Legal Time).

Judoka Telma Monteiro makes history by winning her 10th medal in as many appearances at the European Championships, taking bronze in the -57 kg category in Montpellier. An unprecedented feat that consolidated her as one of the greatest European judokas of all time.