Pius XII
Pope from 1939 to 1958, the Venerable Pius XII guided the Church through the Second World War and the Cold War, leaving a major doctrinal and liturgical legacy.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
The youth of Eugenio Pacelli in Rome, his studies, his ordination, his diplomatic career, and his election as pope under the name Pius XII.
Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli was born in Rome on March 2, 1876, into a family of the Roman pontifical nobility. His father, Filippo Pacelli, was a consistorial advocate, and his grandfather, Marcantonio Pacelli, had been Secretary of the Interior under Pius IX. Ordained a priest on April 2, 1899, he joined the Roman Curia in 1901 and collaborated with Cardinal Gasparri on the codification of canon law. Consecrated titular Archbishop of Sardes by Pope Benedict XV in 1917, he became nuncio in Bavaria and then in Germany. Created a cardinal in 1929, he became Secretary of State in 1930 and assisted Pius XI in the face of totalitarianism. He was elected pope on March 2, 1939, under the name Pius XII.
Life and work
The pontificate of Pius XII marked by the Second World War, the Cold War, a rich doctrinal magisterium, and the proclamation of the dogma of the Assumption.
During the Second World War, Pius XII favored a prudent diplomacy and concrete humanitarian action to save thousands of Jews and refugees. After the war, he firmly opposed communism. His magisterium is marked by 41 major encyclicals, including Mystici Corporis Christi, Divino afflante Spiritu, Mediator Dei, and Humani generis. On November 1, 1950, he solemnly proclaimed the dogma of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary through the constitution Munificentissimus Deus. He also worked for the internationalization of the Church by appointing numerous non-Italian cardinals and bishops.
Path to Sainthood
The introduction of the cause for beatification of Pius XII by Paul VI and the examination of his heroic virtues.
The beatification process for Pius XII was introduced on November 18, 1965, by Pope Paul VI, at the same time as that of John XXIII. The diocesan inquiry opened in Rome in 1967. The postulators, Jesuit fathers Peter Gumpel and Paolo Molinari, gathered the documents for the Positio. On May 8, 2007, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints voted unanimously in favor of the recognition of his heroic virtues.
Beatification and canonization
The declaration of venerability by Benedict XVI, the historical debates surrounding his actions, and the wait for a miracle.
On December 19, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI signed the decree recognizing the heroic virtues of Eugenio Pacelli, declaring him venerable. This decree sparked controversies regarding his actions during the Shoah. The Holy See defends his memory, highlighting his discreet rescue efforts. In March 2020, Pope Francis opened the Vatican archives of his pontificate. The cause is currently awaiting the official recognition of a miracle.
Spirituality and legacy
A profound Marian devotion, a life of austerity, and major liturgical reforms that prepared for Vatican II.
The spirituality of Pius XII is marked by an intense Marian piety, illustrated by the consecration of the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1942 and the institution of the feast of Mary Queen in 1954. Leading an austere personal life, he conceived his office as a total sacrifice. His legacy includes major liturgical reforms (restoration of the Easter Vigil, evening Masses, relaxation of the Eucharistic fast) that prepared for the Second Vatican Council. In 2017, Pope Francis praised his efforts to save Jews as a true work of mercy.
Frequently asked questions about Pius XII
Who was Pius XII?
Pope from 1939 to 1958, the Venerable Pius XII guided the Church through the Second World War and the Cold War, leaving a major doctrinal and liturgical legacy.
Which saints were contemporaries of Pius XII?
Contemporaries include: Pauline of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, Felipe de Jesús Munárriz and 50 companions, Mariano de Jesús Euse Hoyos and Teresa of Jesus of the Andes.
When did Pius XII die?
Pius XII died around 1958.
What are the other names of Pius XII?
Other forms of the name: Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli and Eugenio Pacelli.
Who are the relatives of Pius XII?
Relatives of Pius XII: Filippo Pacelli (father) and Marcantonio Pacelli (paternal grandfather).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 1958
- Decree of venerability in 2009 by Benedict XVI