Pope Pius IX
1792–1878
 |
| POPE PIUS IX AND SOME OF HIS CONTEMPORARIES. |
One of the longest-reigning popes in the history of the Church, Pius IX was
known as a liberal and a reformer. Although he suffered from epileptic seizures,
which made his health rather precarious, he did not let that prevent him from
instituting several Church and doctrinal reforms. He is responsible for the
First Vatican Council, which defined Papal infallibility. He was also in office
when the Italian Republic (with
Victor Emmanuel II at its head) was formed. He was
the last pontiff to rule the Papal States. After his death in 1878, from a
stroke caused by an epileptic seizure, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II in
2000.
Key events during the life of Pope Pius IX:
| Year |
Event |
| 1792 |
Born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti to a noble Italian family. Youngest of nine children. |
| 1814 |
During time as theology student in hometown, meets Pope Pius VII, who had just returned from French captivity. |
| 1815 |
Enters Papal Noble Guard, dismissed after epileptic seizure. Elevated by Pope Pius VII, who supports further theological studies. |
| 1819 |
Ordained to the priesthood. Worked as the rector of the Tata Giovanni Institute in Rome. |
| 1823-25 |
Sent by Pope Pius VII as Auditor to Chile and Peru to assist the Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican embassy). |
| 1825-27 |
Appointed head of the hospital of San Michele in Rome by Pope Leo XII. Also appointed canon of Santa Maria in Via Lata. |
| 1827 |
Appointed Archbishop of Spoleto (his hometown). |
| 1831 |
Revolution spreads to Spoleto, Archbishop obtains general pardon after it is over. |
| 1832 |
Sent to diocese of Imola. |
| 1839 |
Appointed cardinal in pectore. |
| 1840 |
Publicly announced as Cardinal-Priest of Santi Marcellino e Pietro. |
| 1846 |
Elected to the Papacy. Crowned on Jue 21st. |
| 1849 |
Roman Republic declared. All participants excommunicated. |
| 1860 |
Victor Emmanuel defeats Papal army. All Papal territories except Latium with Rome under control of Victor Emmanuel. Pope Pius IX retains control of the Vatican. |
| 1868 |
First Vatican Council. |
| 1878 |
Death of Pope Pius IX by stroke caused by epileptic seizure. |
Other Resources
| Contemporary |
Short Biography |
| Victor Emmanuel II |
Became first king of a United Italy after Garibaldi handed over control of Naples. Previously Savoyard King of Sardinia. |
| Garibaldi |
Led several campaigns in the Wars of Italian Unification. Renowned as a hero patriot of Italy. |
| Cavour |
Prime minister of Sardinia who used skill and diplomacy to unite Italy under the rule of the Piedmont king. |
| Pope Pius VII |
Pope during the reign of Napoleon and the early restoration period. |
| Mazzini |
Italian journalist and political activist who worked for the Unification of Italy and advocated popular democracy throughout Europe. |
| Metternich |
Austrian statesman who was influential in bringing about a long lasting peace in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars. Hosted Congresss of Vienna. |
| Maximilian of Austria |
Archduke who was proclaimed Emperor of Mexico. Overthrown and executed by Liberal republicans. |