Papal Retrospective : Saint Pius X (1903-1914)

On 4th August, 1903, GIUSEPPE MELCHIORRE SARTO, Cardinal-Patriarch of Venice, was elected Pope by 62 members of the College of Cardinals.  His election being unexpected, Cardinal Sarto, having received the vote of the College of Cardinals, withdrew privately for some time to ponder whether he would accept Election.

Cardinal Sarto indicated that he wished to be known as Pius, the tenth of that name.

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.  

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.

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.

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 

set before the High altar and shewn on the left of this photograph.

AMDG

Next post : Pope Benedict XV.

Papal Retrospective : Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903)

On 20th February, 1878, VINCENZO GIOACCHINO RAFFAELE LUIGI PECCI, Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, was elected Pope by 61 members of the College of Cardinals and took the name Leo XIII.

Vincenzo Pecci was born of noble parents in March 1810 in a village outside of Rome. He was ordained a priest in 1837. His brother was also a priest. He received a number of important appointments from Pope Gregory XVI and in 1843 was appointed as Nuncio to Belgium; but he returned to Italy as Bishop of Perugia in 1846. He was named to the Sacred College by Pope Pius IX in 1853.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

Leo XIII was the longest-lived pope in history; was the first pope to be born in the 19th century and the first pope of the 20th century. He was the first Pope to be filmed and the first to have his voice recorded.  These films and recordings are still preserved and readily available with an internet search.  He remained in good health into extreme old age, dying at the age of 93 in July, 1903.  At his own request, Pope Leo was buried in the Lateran Basilica; this occurred 20 years after his death.

It was Pope Leo who composed the famous prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel recited after Low Mass. 

A useful synopsis of his life and the achievements of his Papacy can be found here. 

Figure 3 (above)

This is the Papal Mantum, a longer version of the cope, which was made for

Pope Leo XIII in 1880. It is made of cream silk interwoven with spun silver thread

and elaborately embellished with goldwork.

Figure 4 (above)

Engraving of a Consistory for the Creation of ten Cardinals

held in November 1884.  Pope Leo is depicted sitting at

the canopied throne.

Figure 5 (above)

A set of Papal Sandals of Leo XIII, made in 1880.
These were intended for ceremonial use and not daily footwear. 

Figure 6 (above)

Pope Leo carrying the Blessed Sacrament in procession through the Sala Regia

of the Vatican Palace. An engraving of the 1880's.

Figure 7 (above)

Pope Leo XIII seated in the 17th century throne
designed by Bernini for Pope Innocent X.

Figure 8 (above)

This magnificent Processional Cross in the Art Nouveau style
was made in France and presented to Pope Leo in 1887
to mark the Golden Jubilee of his Priestly Ordination.

Figure 9 (above) and Figure 10 (below)

Two extremely rare photographs of Pope Leo 

after offering Low Mass, taken in the 1890s.

Figure 9 shews the Pope kneeling at a faldstool 

before the altar of the Sistine Chapel.

Figure 10 shews the Pope in his private chapel

blessing members of the Apostolic Chamber.

It is likely that the Papal Guards shewn in both photographs are the same men.

Figure 10 (above)

This magnificent portrait of Pope Leo was painted towards

the end of his life.

Figure 11 (above)

Coat of Arms of Leo XIII.

AMDG

Next Post : Pope Saint Pius X.

Papal Retrospective : Blessed Pius IX (1846-1878)

Blessed Pius IX (1846-1878)

On 16th June, 1846 GIOVANNI MARIA MASTAI-FERRETTI, Cardinal-Priest of the Roman basilica of Saints Marcellinus and Peter was elected Pope by the College of Cardinals and took the name Pius IX.

Cardinal Mastai-Ferretti was born in May 1792 in the Archdiocese of Spoleto. He was ordained a priest in 1819. Pope Leo XII appointed Father Mastai-Ferretti Archbishop of Spoleto, his hometown, in 1827 at the age of 35. He was named to the Sacred College in 1839.

Pius IX was the first Pope to be photographed and for this reason we include in this post some of these rare photographs even though they are not liturgical.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

 

Figure 2 (above) 

This astonishing photograph from 1863 shows Pius IX greeting the Faithful from a balcony during a visit to Frosinone (south-east of Rome).  A canopy made from fabric has been constructed, beneath which the Pope can be clearly seen with his arms outstretched.

 

Figure 3 (above) 

An early engraving of Pius IX shewing him wearing the Mantum or cope.

His coat of arms is visible in the lower righthand corner of the cope.

Figure 4 (above) 

Pius IX surrounded by prelates of the Papal Household 

in the early 1870's.

The Secretary of State, Cardinal Antonelli, is marked with an arrow.

Antonelli was never a priest, one of the last who held the rank of a lay-cardinal

subsequently abolished by Benedict XV.

 

Figure 5 (above)  

This image of Blessed Pius IX vested for Low Mass is partly photograph,

partly drawing: a practice common in the 19th century. Nevertheless

it quite accurately depicts the Pope and his vestments. 

 Three preferences of Pius IX, in terms of his liturgical style, were : an extremely shortened rochet - more like a cotta in dimensions; his mitres, not much taller than 12 inches or 30 centimetres and lastly a slightly-shortened albe, so that his cassock was visible below its lower edge.

 

Figure 6 (above)

In 1869, Pius IX convoked the Vatican  Ecumenical Council, which was attended by bishops from all over the world.  This marvellous engraving gives a very accurate idea of the appearance of one of the transepts of Saint Peter's Basilica where the proceedings were held.  The large number of Council Fathers present and the galleries built for observers are shewn.  When the Vatican States fell to Italian armies in 1870, however, the Council's proceedings were adjourned without conclusion.

It is likely that photographs were taken at the Council, but I have never seen any.   

Figure 7 (above)

An engraving of the Consistory of March 1868, shewing Pius IX

conferring the Red Hat on Father Lucien Louis Joseph Napoleon Bonaparte.

Yes, the great-nephew of the Emperor Napoleon!  But Cardinal Bonaparte

lived the rest of his days in the Vatican, a faithful servant of the Holy See.

Figure 8 (above)

The Coat of Arms of Blessed Pius IX.

 

Pius IX had the longest reign of any Pope in history.  He died on 7th February, 1878, aged 85. Originally buried in Saint Peter's, his remains were moved to the Church of Saint Lawrence-outside-the-walls in 1881, in accordance with his own wishes. They were returned to the Vatican Basilica in the Jubilee Year of 2000, when Pius IX was beatified by Pope John Paul II.

 

Figure 9 (above)

The mortal remains of Pius IX lying-in-state, February 1878.

The Pope is vested in Pontifical vestments, including the fanon and pallium.

The short mitre was a preference of Pius IX.

Next post: Pope Leo XIII.

AMDG

Papal Retrospective : Pope Gregory XVI (1831-1846)

Figure 1. The triple tiara of Pope Gregory XVI.

On 2nd February, 1831 BARTOLOMEO CAPPELLARI O.S.B., Cardinal-Priest of the basilica of San Callisto was elected Pope by the College of Cardinals and indicated that he would be known as GREGORY, the sixteenth of that name.  

45 Cardinals participated in the 1831 Conclave, whilst 9 were unable to do so.  

The Conclave lasted an astonishing 50 days - by no means the longest in the history of the Conclaves.  Cardinal Cappellari was not expected to be elected Pope and was a candidate of compromise.

Figure 2.  Pope Gregory XVI
A modern portrait by Giovanni Gasparri.
The Pope is dressed in the choirdress
of the Paschal Octave.

Bartolomeo Alberto Cappellari was born in a town some distance from Venice named Belluno in September 1765.  Aged 18, he joined the Monastery of Saint Michael, on the outskirts of Venice, a Benedictine House of Camaldolese monks.  He took the name of Mauro.  His monastic life was spent in houses in Venice and Rome, before becoming Abbot of the Benedictine Monastery on the Caelian Hill in Rome in 1805.  Twenty years later he was named a Cardinal and Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (as it is now known).

Figure 3. A silver Vatican coin minted
in the reign Pope Gregory XVI.

When elected Pope at the age of 65, Cardinal Cappellari was not a bishop and received episcopal consecration on the same day that he was crowned as Pope.  It is said that he chose the name Gregory because of his many years association with the Monastery on the Caelian Hill : Saint Gregory's.

Figure 4.  A pen sketch depicting Gregory XVI
blessing British Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel.
National Portrait Gallery UK

Gregory XVI was a scholarly and pious man, but also of warm disposition.  He was by no means progressive, because he had lived through the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.  As a monk, he once fled Rome when his predecessor, Pope Pius VII, was captured by Bonaparte. In his estimation, revolutionary thought, which emerged from the Enlightenment, was a menace to Godly order.

Among his notable publications, however, was an Apostolic Letter denouncing the institution and practice of human slavery.  After considerable consultation with the College of Cardinals, he issued this letter in 1839.

Figure 5.  Pope Gregory XVI visiting

the Church of S' Benedict Subiaco.

Jean-François Montessuy 1843.

During his reign, many missionary dioceses in the "New World" were established, including Australia in 1834.

There are a number of internet resources which give a greater treatment of the life of Pope Gregory.  Wikipaedia is a starting point.

Figure 6.  The Corpus Christi procession 

moving through S' Peter's

depicting Gregory XVI and the Papal Court.

Pope Gregory had a long reign of fifteen years and died in Rome at the age of 80.  He is buried in Saint Peter's Basilica, where there is a prominent shrine to his memory, including a life-size statue.  

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

AMDG

Figure 7.  Coat of Arms of 

Pope Gregory XVI.

Next Post: Blessed Pius IX

A post on each of the Popes will be published each day.  Please share the posts with interested persons.

The Vacant Chair

The Arms of the Vacancy of the Holy See

During this Interregnum the Studio will be re-presenting its series of posts of historic images of the Pontificates from Gregory XVI to Benedict XVI. These will not be biographical posts, but will focus on Papal Liturgy.

The series will commence this week.

AMDG

Within the Octave of Easter : 2

On this Octave Day of Easter,  the Saint Bede Studio is pleased to present a set of festal vestments, made in the style made familiar by Saint Philip Neri.  The vestments were made from a cream-coloured brocade and fully-lined in a taupe-coloured taffeta.

This chasuble is ornamented in the well-known Roman style, being the TAU at the front and a column at the back, formed by a rich silk damask in colours of taupe and straw-gold  and an outlining gold galloon.  

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

In his sermon at the Papal Funeral, the Dean of the College of Cardinals informed all present that the soul of the late Bishop of Rome is now with God in Heaven.

We are at liberty to disagree with the Cardinal's assertion and continue in charity to offer our prayers for the repose of the soul of the Pope and all the Faithful Departed.

O Lord, do not bring your servant to trial, for no man is holy in your sight unless you grant him forgiveness of all his sins.  We implore you, therefore, do not let the verdict of your judgement go against him, whom the loyal prayer of Christian faith is commending to your mercy.  Rather, by the help of your grace, may he escape the sentence which he deserves, for during his earthly life, he was signed with the Holy Trinity.  You who live and reign forever and ever.  Amen.

A prayer from the old ritual for the burial of the dead.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Why Red Vestments?

Observing the solemn rites for the Obsequies of the late Bishop of Rome, it will be noticed that the papal remains are clad in red Mass vestments, that the coffin is ornamented with red, that there are red drapes.  Is this an innovation of the post-Vatican Council liturgical reforms?  Not at all.

The Cardinal Camerlengo incensing the Papal casket
in S' Peter's basilica.
Image : Associated Press.

Not only is red the traditional colour for Papal vesture (hence the drapes and ornament of the coffin) but there is an older tradition here to be observed.

Before the post-Vatican Council liturgical reforms, when the Pope celebrated solemnly (as distinct from a Low Mass) only one of two liturgical colours were used : red and white.  This very ancient Roman tradition is also employed - with degrees of observance - in the Byzantine rites, where white is the usual colour for the Divine Liturgy and red used for penitential days and funerals.  The emphasis was on vestments which were either lighter or darker in their appearance.

The Cardinal Camerlengo incensing
the Papal casket.
Image : Associated Press.

O Lord, do not bring your servant to trial, for no man is holy in your sight unless you grant him forgiveness of all his sins.  We implore you, therefore, do not let the verdict of your judgement go against him, whom the loyal prayer of Christian faith is commending to your mercy.  Rather, by the help of your grace, may he escape the sentence which he deserves, for during his earthly life, he was signed with the Holy Trinity.  You who live and reign forever and ever.  Amen.

A prayer from the old ritual for the burial of the dead.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG  

Within the Octave of Easter

A Pope is dead and at present, and on this particular occasion, emotions are mixed and running high.

BUT CHRIST

who once for sinners bled,

Now, the first-born from the dead,

Thron'd in endless might and power

Lives and reigns forevermore !

Hail, eternal hope on high !

Hail, King of victory !

Hail, O Prince of life !

Help and save us, gracious Lord.

In this Easter Octave, the Saint Bede Studio is pleased to present this distinctive set of festal vestments made for a Latin Mass Apostolate in New Zealand.

The vestments were made from a familiar tapestry fabric and fully-lined in crimson-red cloth.  This chasuble is ornamented in the well-known Roman style, a variation of the TAU at the front and a column at the back, formed by a stripes of crimson-red brocade and an outlining burgundy and gold galloon. 

The second image depicts the back of the chasuble, including an attractive applique of the Greek letters Kai and Rho.  The first image depicts a section of the front of the chasuble.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries.

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG  

Eternal Rest

The Bishop of Rome has quietly departed this life.

Let us all earnestly pray for God's mercy upon the soul of Pope Francis.

Eternal Rest grant unto him O Lord. 

EASTER DAY 2025

To all readers of this blog and to customers and friends of the Saint Bede Studio, may many Graces be yours on the sacred Day of our Lord's Resurrection.

On Easter Day 2025, the Shadow of the Cross looms large across a world still stricken with confusion, hatred and war.  But in these fearful moments, we look again to the optimistic Christian message that God has overcome Death - and all the awfulness, frailties, discord and disappointments of this earthly life - and loves each and every poor sinner. 

Christ is Risen !