Pope Pius X was the 10th pope to take the name Pius, serving as head of the Catholic Church from 1903 to 1914.
Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto in 1835, he was elected pope following the death of Leo XIII. His papacy was
marked by a strong opposition to modernist interpretations of Catholic doctrine, which he saw as a threat to
traditional Church teachings. He also promoted frequent reception of the Eucharist and encouraged children to
receive their First Communion at a younger age, a significant shift in Church practice.
Pius X is also well known for his stance on liturgical reform. He was a strong advocate for the restoration of
Gregorian chant and sought to improve the participation of the laity in the Mass. His 1903 Motu Proprio, Tra le
Sollecitudini, emphasized the importance of sacred music in worship, calling for simplicity and reverence in
liturgical celebrations. Additionally, he worked on revising the Code of Canon Law, though it was not completed
until after his death. Pius X was canonized in 1954, becoming the first pope in nearly 400 years to be declared a
saint. His legacy remains influential, particularly in discussions about traditionalism and Church reforms.