Pope Blessed Pius XI
Also known as: Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti
Saint
Post-Congregation
Feast Day
February 7
Born
May 13, 1792
Died
February 7, 1878
Beatified
3 September 2000 by Pope John Paul II at Saint Peter’s Square, Rome, Italy
Biography
Pope Blessed Pius IX, also known as Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, was born on 13 May 1792 in Senigallia, Italy, to Gerolamo Ferretti and Caterina Solazzi. He was the ninth child in the family and was described as a frail, intelligent, and pious boy. However, he suffered from epilepsy during his early years. Pius IX's education started at the Piarist College in Volterra, Italy, where he studied from 1802 to 1809....