I really enjoyed this book about Pope St. Pius X. It summed up his life perfectly. This man gave everything for the cause of Christ, literally. If he received a gift or money, he found a way to pass it on. He didn't want to accede to the Papacy, and actively told the College of Cardinals he had no wish to ascend the throne of St. Peter. However, they were impressed by his humility and elected him anyway. His time in Rome saw change in relations with France as well as a shift in the balance of power within the College of Cardinals. With his appointment of cardinals, it marked a departure from tradition, Italian cardinals no longer held a majority.

I said I enjoyed the book. However, this is definitely a hagiography. No question. Published in 1950, I have a feeling this was meant to bolster his reputation in the minds of the public. In 1951, Pius X was beatified and a few years later canonized. What this book lacks is a full picture of the late pontiff. We get none of the faults, only the singing of his praises.

Still, it was an excellent book. ( )