In February of 1939, Pius XI convened all of Italy’s clergy in Rome to deliver a speech he had worked on for months. The speech denounced the violations of the Lateran Treaty by the Italian government and the racist persecutions by the German Reichstag. The night before he was to deliver the speech, Pius died of a heart attack. There was speculation that Benito Mussolini had him poisoned because he feared excommunication. This theory has never been proven.
Pius XI was considered an able and strident politician who could both smile and scream at dictators throughout the world but knew enough never to attempt a compromise with them.
St. Peter’s Basilica.org says the following about Pius XI:
The author of thirty encyclicals, he shed light on the social and spiritual problems of his day and was characterized by his refusal to yield to the evils that threatened to overcome the world in which he lived. Instead he chose to rally the forces of good.
Papal Artifacts celebrates with gratitude the gift of his life to our Church.
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- Pius XI: 1925 Holy Year Souvenir of Hand Soap
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- Three Medals: Bl. Pius IX, Leo XIII, St. Pius X
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- 2001 Coin Set With the Images of Pope Pius IX, Pope Pius XI, Pope Pius XII, Saint John XXIII, Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul I and Saint John Paul II
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- Bust of Pope Pius XII
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- Two Coins From The Pontificate of Pius XI
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- Brick of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica From the Extraordinary Holy Year of 1933: PIus XI
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- Brick of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica From the Holy Year, 1925: Pius XI
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- Pius XI: Brick of the Holy Door of St. John Lateran From the Extraordinary Jubilee of 1933
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- Brick of the Holy Door of Saint Mary Major From the Holy Year, 1925: Pius XI
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- Brick of the Holy Door of St. John Lateran From the Holy Year, 1925: Pius XI
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- Pins Commemorating the Signing of the Lateran Treaty of 1929 and the 50th Anniversary of Pius XI’s Priesthood
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- Commemorative Medal From the Pontificate of Pius XI: Obverse
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- Original Framed Photo of the Signing of the Lateran Treaty
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- Original Framed Photo of the Signing of the Lateran Treaty
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- Two Coin Sets Commemorating the Lateran Treaty
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- Pope Pius XI: Zucchetto
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- Pius XI: Ornate Framed Autographed Blessing
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- Pope Pius XI: Handerkerchief with Embossed Signature
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- Pope Pius XI: Handkerchief with Embossed Signature
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- Flip Book of Pope Pius XI Giving a Blessing
Please visit Papal Artifacts/Pius XI to view nearly 50 items belonging to or associated with this great 20th century Pope. Here is a link to them:
Here is a link to Papal History/Pius XI:
http://www.papalartifacts.com/portfolio-item/pope-pius-xi/
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- Coat of Arms of Pope Pius XI
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- Tomb of Pope Pius XI located in St. Peter’s Basilica
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- St. Peter’s Basilica
