Born on July 1

Born in Assisi in 1182, Francis renounced his family's wealth to live in evangelical poverty. He founded the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) and championed a form of Christianity rooted in closeness to the poor and to nature. Canonized as early as 1228, he is one of the most influential spiritual figures of the Middle Ages.

A German philosopher and mathematician of the 17th century, Leibniz contributed to the scientific revolution by developing infinitesimal calculus and proposing an original philosophy grounded in monadology. He shaped modern thought through his theory of pre-established harmony and his metaphysical optimism.

A French novelist of the 19th century, George Sand (1804-1876) was one of the most prolific and innovative writers of her era. A champion of individual freedom and equal rights, she left a lasting mark on Romantic literature through her social novels and a life that openly defied the conventions of her time.

French engineer and aviator (1872–1936), Louis Blériot was the first person to cross the English Channel by aeroplane on 25 July 1909. A pioneer of aviation, he designed and flew his own aircraft, making a decisive contribution to the development of the aeronautical industry.

American businesswoman (1906–2004)

A British actress born in 1916 in Tokyo, Olivia de Havilland was one of Hollywood's greatest stars of the 1930s and 1940s. She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress and successfully fought against the Hollywood studio system, paving the way for actors' contractual freedom.

Carl Lewis is an American athlete who specialized in sprinting and the long jump. Regarded as one of the greatest athletes in history, he won nine Olympic gold medals between 1984 and 1996.

Princess of Wales (1981–1996), Diana Spencer became a global humanitarian figure through her commitment to banning landmines and supporting people living with AIDS. Her informal diplomatic influence and tragic death in 1997 made her an icon of the 20th century.

An American rapper, singer-songwriter, and record producer, Missy Elliott is a pioneer of hip-hop and R&B. She revolutionized the 1990s–2000s with avant-garde music videos and a unique musical style blending rap, funk, and electronica.

Agnez Mo is an Indonesian-American singer-songwriter and actress born in 1986 in Jakarta. A pop star in Indonesia from childhood, she broke onto the international scene in the 2010s.