Religion: Pope of the Poor

Born Joseph Sarto, a poor man’s son, Pope Pius X reigned as pontiff for eleven years, died in 1914. He was the hero of countless warmly human stories. One told how he got to Rome to be elected Pope. Having given away all his money to the poor of Venice, he applied to the Catholic banks for a travel loan, but was turned down as a poor risk. Finally a Jewish admirer lent him the money for the journey, but Cardinal-Patriarch Sarto was so certain he would not be elected Pope that he bought a round-trip ticket. When he died he wrote in his will: “I was born poor. I lived poor most of my life. I wish to die poor . . .”

Last week in Rome, the road was cleared for his beatification and eventual canonization: he was given the title of Venerable Joseph Sarto. Not since 1712 has a Pope been canonized.*A venerable may not be designated a saint until the church has approved and recognized at least two miracles. Last week documented records of Pius X’s miracles, including two more from the U.S., were pouring into the Vatican.

*Pope Pius V.