Bl. Pope Pius IX

Patron Saint of the First Vatican Council

Blessed Pope Pius IX, born Giovanni Ferretti, was one of the longest reigning popes. During his 31 year papacy, he dealt with Church controversies, external turmoil, and the dissolution of the Papal States. Even though he faced many difficulties and medical aliments in his lifetime, he persevered from a very young age and after being rejected as a cadet for the Noble Guard, he became a priest. He was elected Pope in 1846, and took the name Pius IX in honor of Pope Pius VII. Throughout his papacy, Pius acted in a way he believed to best protect the present and future of the Church. St. Vincent Pallotti was an early collaborator of Pope Pius IX, a relationship that continued throughout Pius’ papacy. Pope Pius IX was beatified in 2000 by Pope John Paul II. "Guard the church which I loved so well and sacredly" -Bl. Pope Pius IX on his deathbed