Papal Retrospective : Pope Pius XII (1939-1958)

Figure 1
Pope Pius XII
seated in the 17th century Papal throne
designed by the architect Bernini.

On 2nd March, 1939, EUGENIO MARIA GIUSEPPE GIOVANNI PACELLI, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, was elected Pope by all 62 members of the College of Cardinals and took the name Pius XII. Unlike his two immediate predecessors, Benedict XV and Pius XI, the election of Eugenio Pacelli was completely expected, since he had been extremely prominent in Rome and Internationally.

Eugenio Pacelli was born of noble parents in Rome on 2nd March 1876. He was ordained a priest in Rome in 1899, where he continued studies whilst working in the Secretariat of State. He continued in this work, frequently travelling to foreign nations, until he was appointed Nuncio to Germany by Pope Benedict XV in 1917. In 1929, Pope Pius XI elevated Monsignor Pacelli to the Sacred College of Cardinals and nominated him as his Secretary of State.

Pope Pius XII's Pontificate spanned the years of the Second World War and beyond.  An attempt to present a balanced account of his much-maligned life and work can be found here.

He died on 9th October, 1958 at the age of 82 and is buried in the crypt of Saint Peter's Basilica.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

Figure 2 (above)

Cardinal Pacelli at The Liberty Bell during a visit to

the United States in 1936.

Figure 3 (above)

The newly-elected Pius XII addressing the Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel

2nd March 1939.

Figure 4 (above)

Pius XII giving his Urbi et Orbi Blessing from the balcony of Saint Peter's

following his Coronation as Pope in March 1939.

In this photograph, the Pope is wearing the papal Eucharistic vestments.

Over the chasuble, tunic and dalmatic, 

can be seen the striped shoulder cape called the fanon 

and then the pallium placed over this.

He is wearing gloves, as all Bishops did in that period for parts of Mass.

Figure 5 (above)

Vested in the Papal mantum and triple tiara,

Pius XII is carried on the sede gestatoria into Saint Peter's.

This throne had been made for Pope Pius VII.

Figure 6 (above)

Pius XII at the Altar of the Chair in Saint Peter's, 1939.

At this Mass he consecrated several bishops for missionary service.

Figure 7 (above) and Figure 8 (below)

Pius XII offering Low Mass at the High Altar of Saint Peter's Basilica

beneath Bernini's bronze baldacchino.

Figure 9 (above)

The 1946 Consistory in Saint Peter's Basilica

in which Pius XII elevated 32 bishops from around the world

to the College of Cardinals.

This included the Archbishop of Sydney, Norman Thomas Gilroy.

Figure 10 (above)

In the Piazza of Saint Peter's during the Ceremony of Canonisation

of Saint Maria Goretti in 1950.

Figure 11 (above) and Figure 12 (below)

Pius XII at the Opening of the Holy Door in Saint Peter's Basilica

at the beginning of 1950.

Figure 11 : the Pope kneeling in the threshold of the Door

Figure 12 : the Pope knocking on the masonry wall with the ceremonial hammer.

Figure 13 (above)

The famous photograph taken of Pope Pius addressing the Faithful

from the central loggia of Saint Peter's on the occasion of 

the Definition of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1950.

Figure 14 (above)

Coat of Arms of Pius XII.

Figure 15 (above)

The remarkable bronze statue in Saint Peter's of Pope Pius XII. 

AMDG 

Next post : Pope John XXIII.

Papal Retrospective : Pope Pius XI (1922-1939)

On 6th February, 1922, AMBROGIO DAMIANO ACHILLE RATTI, Cardinal-Archbishop of Milan, was elected Pope by 53 members of the College of Cardinals and took the name Pius XI. Pope Benedict XV had died suddenly at a relatively young age, and it was by no means clear who would succeed him. Cardinal Ratti was elected on the fourteenth ballot.

Achille Ratti was born in Desio, in the province of Milan 31st May 1857. He was ordained a priest in 1879, only one year after his papal predecessor, Giacomo Della Chiesa (Benedict XV).  Ratti was by inclination a scholar and until 1918, his entire priesthood had been steeped in teaching, writing and research. This changed dramatically when Pope Benedict sent him as Nuncio to Poland at the conclusion of World War One. Then in June 1921, only six months before his death in August 1914, Pope Benedict elevated Monsignor Ratti to the Sacred College of Cardinals and appointed him Archbishop of Milan.

Towards the end of his reign, he wrote an encyclical letter condemning the philosophies of National Socialism which he caused to be smuggled into Germany and read in every Catholic Church on Palm Sunday, 1937, much to the anger of Nazi officials.

Pope Pius XI died on 10th February, 1939 at the age of 81. He is buried in the crypt of Saint Peter's Basilica.

An informative account of his life and work can be found here.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

Figure 2 (above)

Pius XI carried on the papal chair through Saint Peter's 

after the Mass in which he was crowned Pope in February 1922.

Figure 3 (above)

Pope Pius giving the Blessing  Urbi et Orbi

from the central loggia of Saint Peter's after his Coronation.

Pius XI was the first Pope to appear on the famous balcony

since the surrender of the Vatican State to Italian armies in 1870.

Figure 4 (above)

Pope Pius XI at his cathedra as Bishop of Rome in the Lateran Basilica.

Figure 5 (above)

A consistory for a Rite of Beatification 

held in the Sala Regia of the Apostolic Palace 

presided over by Pius XI.

Figure 6 (above)

A photographic portrait of Pius XI taken in the Apostolic Palace.

Figure 7 (above)

The Coat of Arms of Pope Pius XI.

Figure 8 (above)

At the beginning of the year 1925, Pope Pius opened the Holy Door 

of Saint Peter's and knelt in prayer at the threshold.

Figure 9 (above)

At the altar of the Sistine Chapel 21st July, 1929:

Pope Pius consecrates Idelfonso Schuster OSB as Archbishop of Milan.

A week before, the Pope had elevated Dom Idelfonso to the College of Cardinals.

Cardinal Schuster was Beatified in 1996.

Figure 10 (above)

The Sistine Chapel, 1929.

Pontifical Solemn Mass being celebrated in the presence of Pope Pius:

during the Singing of the Gospel.

Figure 11 (above)

Silver medal of Pius XI

Figure 12 (above)

The Tomb of Pope Pius XI in the crypt of the Vatican Basilica. 

AMDG 

Next post : Pope Pius XII.

Papal Retrospective : Pope Benedict XV (1914-1922)

Figure 1

Pope Benedict XV

Portrait painted by Giacomo Grosso 1919.

On 3rd September, 1914, GIACOMO DELLA CHIESA, Cardinal-Archbishop of Bologna, was elected Pope by 57 members of the College of Cardinals and took the name Benedict XV. World War One had broken out and the Conclave had wished to place the Church in the hands of an experienced diplomat, even though Della Chiesa was only 59.  Only one Cardinal from the across the Atlantic arrived in Rome for the Conclave : the Archbishop of New York.

Giacomo Della-Chiesa was born of noble parents in Génoa on 21st November 1854. He was ordained a priest in Rome in 1878, where he continued studies until becoming part of Vatican Diplomatic Corps. He continued in this work until he was appointed Archbishop of Bologna by Pope Pius X in 1907. Only a few months before his death in August 1914, Pope Pius X elevated Monsignor Della-Chiesa to the Sacred College of Cardinals.

Pope Benedict XV's Pontificate spanned the years of the First World War and he was admired by all parties in that destructive conflict for his many efforts to broker peace and to assist the victims of war. Never of robust health, Pope Benedict died on 22nd January, 1922 at the young age of 67. He is buried in the crypt of Saint Peter's Basilica.

An informative account of his life and work can be found here.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

Figure 2 (above) and Figure 3 (below)

Figure 2 is a painting by the artist Emilio Vasarri made to commemorate the election of Pope Benedict. The Pope is depicted seated on the sede gestatoria.

Figure 3 is a rare photograph depicting the scene in the Sistine Chapel 

on 16th September 1914 when Benedict XV was crowned Pope. 

 Following the Coronation, the Pope offered Solemn Mass, which is when the photograph was taken. 

 On the right side of the altar, mounted on a small stand, 

is the triple tiara with which he was crowned.

Perhaps the most striking thing about the photograph is that it indicates

that the crowning of the Pope was essentially a private ceremony for the Papal Court and College of Cardinals.

Figure 4 (above)

An intrepid bishop: as Archbishop of Bologna from 1907

Monsignor Della Chiesa visited parts of his Archdiocese on horseback. 

 Was he the last Pope who visited his flock in the saddle?

Figure 5 (above) and Figure 6(below)

Historic moments : the Consecration of Bishops by the Pope

in the Sistine Chapel.

Figure 5  18th December 1907:

Pope Pius X consecrates Monsignor Giacomo Della Chiesa

as Archbishop of Bologna.  Seven years later, Della Chiesa

was elected to succeed Pius X. 

Figure 6  Benedict XV consecrating Monsignor Eugenio Pacelli as bishop in 1917.

In 1939, Pacelli was elected as Pope Pius XII.

Figure 7 (above)

Benedict XV photographed in the Apostolic Palace

circa 1915.

Figure 8 (above)

A white zucchetto (skullcap) worn by Benedict XV.

An Italian businessman, Giuseppe Faggiani acquired this in 1919.

Figure 9 (above)

The mortal remains of Pope Benedict XV being carried in procession

from the Apostolic Palace to Saint Peter's Basilica, January 1922.

Figure 10 (above)

The Coat of Arms of Benedict XV.

AMDG

Next post : Pope Pius XI.

Prayer for the Election of a New Pope

Those who know, say nothing, whilst those who know nothing, speculate.  Commentators are tapping away, offering perspectives, aspirations, advice.

Such is the situation presently concerning the Papal Conclave. The College of Cardinals is responsible for electing the new Pope, not the media and those feeding them tidbits of information.  This is nothing new, it happens each time.

Every Catholic plays a crucial role in this process, by praying for God's guidance of the Cardinals in making their selection. Make no mistake, the Cardinals need our prayers. Our prayers might make all the difference, in ways that we will never know.

This can also be a time of grace for all those who enter devoutly (rather than politically) into this transition for the Church.

This fine prayer is the Collect from the Mass for the Election of the Pope found amongst the Votive Masses of the 1962 Missal. Perhaps we might pray it every day:

We humbly beseech you, O Lord, that of your boundless mercy you would grant to your  Church a Pontiff who, by his tender care of us, may ever find favour in your sight; and ever be honoured by your people, because of his good government of your Church, to the glory of your name.  Amen.

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.