
From the Stereoscopic series by Underwood, London.
Description verso:
More than 230,000,000 people, devout children of the Holy Catholic Church, can feel that this benediction is meant directly for themselves.
When this great and good man, Giuseppe Sarto, came to Rome in July, 1903, as the Patriarch of Venice, and a member of the Sacred College of Cardinals, his simple modesty was such that he bought a return ticket for Venice.
With his brother cardinals, he spent here in the Vatican long days of rigid seclusion, after the death of Pope Leo XIII, and took part in the solemn Conclave to choose a new Supreme Pontiff. Crowds waiting outside in St. Peter's Square eagerly watched the thin wreaths of smoke, curling up from a certain chimney, where the successive ballots were burned, one lot after another; and when the final decision was for himself, his honest humility of spirit found it hard to accept the highest honours of the Church he so loyally serves.
Pius X was born at Riese, Italy in 1835, the son of poor people, from whom he inherited only the wholesome, high-minded, and kind-hearted nature which he has developed by long years of hard work and unselfish devotion.
He has the absolute respect and the sincere affection of everybody who knows him, not only within the Church, where his life is that of a saint, but also in the world of secular affairs, where his sound judgement and broad human sympathy made him a model citizen. It is well for all the world, that he has been called of God to vast responsibilities.
What manner of man he truly is we can gather from his words to a large crowd of people here in Rome, who cheered him with great enthusiasm, soon after his coronation:
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" My dear people, your kindness towards me gives me much pleasure, but you must not forget that I am only a poor man, and that Jesus Christ is all."
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Pope Pius X bestowing his benediction as Supreme Pontiff, from his throne in the Vatican, Rome.
(26) Underwood & Underwood London Publishers
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I have three photos.
From another Thread: https://www.cathinfo.com/crisis-in-the-church/econe-consecrations-7-day-pilgrimage-june-27-july-3-2026-chaplain/msg1030490/#msg1030490
Pope Pius X blessing the Pilgrims in the Vatican Court.
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