Cardinal Sarto indicated that he wished to be known as Pius, the tenth of that name.
Giuseppe Sarto was born in humble circumstances in the town of Riese (Northern Italy) on 2nd June 1835. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Treviso in 1858. Giuseppe Sarto was consecrated Bishop of Mantua in 1884 and in 1893 was elevated to the Sacred College by Pope Leo XIII and appointed Patriarch of Venice.
Pope Pius X died on 20th August, 1914, shortly after the outbreak of World War One. Of renowned sanctity, his cult grew-up immediately after his death and his successor, Pope Pius XII, Canonised him in 1954.
Click on the images for an enlarged view.
This was the first Conclave in which a Cardinal from the "New World" participated, being the Archbishop of Baltimore, Cardinal Gibbons. Two other Cardinals from outside Europe were unable to participate in the Conclave, one being the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal Moran.
Click on the images for an enlarged view.
Figure 2 (above)
Cardinal Sarto photographed in Venice, about to take a journey in a gondola.
Figure 3 (above)
This coloured engraving is an artist's impression of the scene inside the Sistine Chapel during the 1903 Conclave which elected Cardinal Sarto.
Figure 4 (above)
A medal struck after the death of Pope Pius, also shewing his coat of arms
and his beautiful motto "To Restore All Things in Christ."
Figure 5 (above) and Figure 6 (below)
These rare photographs depict the scene in Saint Peter's Rome
on an occasion when Pope Pius celebrated Mass solemnly
(as distinct from a Low Mass).
Figure 5 shews the Pope and an array of sacred ministers at the Altar of the Confession, beneath Bernini's baldacchino. The figure of the Pope Pius can just be seen, standing at the altar. On such occasions, the entire Papal Court would be present and take a ceremonial role in the celebration of Mass.
Figure 6 shews Pope Pius at the throne behind the Altar of the Confession and beneath the famous window of the Holy Spirit.
Seated on either side of him are the senior Cardinals-deacon, but on the steps at the lower part of the photograph are the bishops-assistant who had particular ceremonial functions which they carried out as a group during Papal rites.
Figure 7 (above)
An unusual photograph:
Pope Pius is working at his desk
whilst the artist Antoon van Welie is painting his portrait.
The painting is kept at the Museum of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran.
Figure 8 (above) and Figure 9 (below)
These photographs depict Pope Pius in different parts of the Vatican.
In Figure 8, the Pope, with his cloak and hat is taking a stroll accompanied
by his chamberlains.
In Figure 9, he is walking along a corridor of the Apostolic Palace,
accompanied by ceremonial guards and his chamberlains.
As he passes by, people kneel down for his blessing, which he has
just given as this photograph was taken.
Click on the images for an enlarged view.
Figure 10 (above)
This photograph depicts the Solemn Procession of Corpus Christi.
Pope Pius is bearing the Blessed Sacrament assisted by the Cardinals-deacon.
The vestments are distinctive, being beautifully embroidered in natural colours, rather than the usual Roman gold braid.
Click on the images for an enlarged view.
Figure 11 (above)
This photograph was taken from a small balcony within the Sistine Chapel.
The Solemn Mass is being celebrated in the Chapel by Pius X in 1908 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of his priestly Ordination.
The Pope is depicted here wearing the distinctive Papal vestments for Mass :
a special white silken cassock (used only on solemn Liturgical occasions)
having a long train, is being held by a chamberlain.
Over his embroidered chasuble,
Pope Pius is wearing the shoulder-covering cape called the fanon and the pallium.
.png "Pius X")
Figure 12 (above)
A beautiful photographic portrait of Pope Pius taken later in life.
Figure 13 (above)
This photograph depicts mortal remains of Pope Pius laying-in-state
in the Chapel of Blessed Sacrament within Saint Peter's Basilica.
He died on 20th August 1914, horrified by the outbreak of a European War.
The Pope is vested in Mass vestments and laid on a bier elevated at an angle
to allow the Faithful to pass by the Chapel and pay respects.
This practice has taken place for centuries, although the location of the laying-in-state has varied considerably.
Figure 14 (above)
This scene in Saint Peters's Basilica in 1954
during the Canonisation of Pope Pius X.
The remains of Saint Pius are enclosed in a glass casket
during the Canonisation of Pope Pius X.
The remains of Saint Pius are enclosed in a glass casket
set before the High altar and shewn on the left of this photograph.
AMDG
Next post : Pope Benedict XV.
