Saint Pius X: Habemus Papam– Episode 255
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Saint Pius X: A saint! And the reason why you recieved first communion in second grade instead of after confirmation.

In this episode of Habemus Papam, Fr. Conrad discusses Saint Pius X, who succeeded Leo XIII: The second longest serving Pope since Peter and a great encyclical writer. You can listen to the podcast about him here.)

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Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto on June 2, 1835 in Riese, Kingdom of Lombardy--Venetia, Austian Empire as the second of ten children to Giovanni Battista Sarto and Margherita Sanson.

Giuseppe received the Sacrament of Holy Orders on September 18, 1858 and became chaplain at Tombolo. While there, he studied Thomas Aquinas and Canon Law.

Pope Leo XIII elevated him to the cardinalate in June 1893. Pope Leo XIII died in July 1903 and a conclave convened and elected Cardinal Giuseppe Sarto on August 4, 1903 and he took the name Pius X.

Saint Pius X changed the age of First Holy Communion in his decree Quam Singulari. Now, around the age of reason, today children receive First Holy Communion around the second grade, age 8.

World War I began during his pontificate. He encouraged Europe to keep the peace. The war started and he died shortly after on August 20, 1914. The Church canonized him on May 19, 1954. Pope Benedict XV succeeded him.