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Pius XI, Pope, 1857-1939

 Person

Staff Only

Dates

  • Existence: 1857 May 31 - 1939 February 10

Biographical note

Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti was born on May 31, 1857 in Desio, Milan, to Francesco Antonio Ratti and Angela Teresa Galli Cova Ratti. He was ordained priest in 1879, and obtained three doctorates at the Gregorian University in Rome (in philosophy, canon law, and theology) before becoming a professor at a seminary in Padua in 1882. As a scholar, he specialized in paleography of ancient and medieval Church manuscripts. In 1888, he began work at the Ambrosian Library in Milan. In 1911, Pope Pius X appointed him Vice-Prefect of the Vatican Library, and promoted him to Prefect in 1914. Pope Benedict XV appointed Ratti as apostolic visitor to Poland in 1918, and re-appointed him as papal nuncio and archbishop in 1919, following Polish independence. Benedict XV raised Ratti to cardinal in 1921. He was then elected pope in 1922, taking the name Pius XI. He became the first sovereign of the Vatican City State upon its creation as an independent state in 1929. Pius XI died on February 10, 1939 of a heart attack.

Alternate names

Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti

Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:

Jubilees, 1887-1983, undated

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents

Includes commemorations of jubilees of Popes Leo XIII, Pius X, Pius XI, and John Paul II, as well as St. Patrick's Church of Seneca Falls, NY, and for the Jubilee Year of 1975.

Access Note

Collection is open for research.

Dates: 1887-1983, undated
Found in: / Liturgy and life collection / Personal devotional and religious objects / By commemoration

Multiple saints, between 1934 and 1947, undated, bulk: 1926–1968

 File — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents Includes Saints Agnes, Aloysius Gonzaga, SJ, Andrew the Apostle, Anne, Anthony of Padua, Benedict, Blaise, Brigid, Catherine Labouré, Cecilia, Christopher, Clare of Assisi, Dymphna, Francis de Sales, Francis of Assisi, Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, Genesius of Rome, Gerard Majella, Gerebernus, Hubert, Jane Frances de Chantal, John Berchmans, SJ, John Neumann, John XXIII, Joseph, Jude, Louise de Marillac, Luisa, Martha, Martin, Mary Magdalene, Michael, Patrick, Paul of the Cross, Peter,...
Access Note

Collection is open for research.

Dates: between 1934 and 1947, undated; Majority of material found within 1926–1968
Found in: / Liturgy and life collection / Personal devotional and religious objects / By dedication

Papal statements: Pius XI

 Sub-Series — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents From the Collection: Material culture and pamphlets that document the Liturgical Movement and changes in religious life in the American Catholic Church from the early twentieth century through the implementation of the Second Vatican Council's reforms in the 1960s and 1970s. The collection contains artifacts of many kinds, including badges, bookmarks, candles, chalices, chaplets, crosses, crucifixes, holy water containers, jewelry, key rings, medals, money clips, monstrances, pins, plaques, relics, rosaries,...
Access Note

Collection is open for research.

Dates: undated; Majority of material found within 1926 - 1968
Found in: / Liturgy and life collection / Pamphlets

Pope Pius XI, 1925, 1944, undated, bulk: 1926–1968

 File — Box 59, tray: 3, Item: 18-22
Scope and Contents From the Series: Small personal religious items including badges, bookmarks, commemorative coins, devotional wallets, jewelry, medals, money clips, key rings, ribbons, pins, and travel accessories. Some items were used during prayer, while others mark religious identity or commemorate particular religious events or awards. Many objects are inscribed with "I am a Catholic; in case of an accident kindly notify a priest." Quite a few of the badges are handmade.Objects containing relics, including...
Access Note

Collection is open for research.

Dates: 1925, 1944, undated; Majority of material found within 1926–1968
Found in: / Liturgy and life collection / Personal devotional and religious objects / By dedication

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