On this day 110 years ago, the man remembered as one of the greatest reforming popes in history, died—Pius X.
In his eleven years as pope, he reformed common Eucharistic practice. Prior to his decree in 1905, Catholics received Communion three or four times a year. But he promoted more frequent and even daily reception. Pope Pius X also reduced the age of children for the sacrament of Communion from 12-14 to 7.
Additionally, the Pope wrote the constitution, “Sapienti Consilio”, in 1908, which streamlined and restructured the Roman Curia. He outlined each task of the various congregations and reduced their number from 15 to 11.
FR. BERNARD ARDURA
President, Pontifical Committee of Historical Sciences
Reforming the Roman Curia is something he has in common with Pope Francis. When Pius X was elected, the Roman Curia was running under the rules that had been established in 1588 by Pope Sixtus V.
Pius X's pontificate was full of reforms and dedicated to catechizing the laity. He died at the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.
And just 40 years later, Pius X was canonized by Pope Pius XII in St. Peter's Square. His feast day is August 21.
KG
