An Italian of noble birth (Nov. 21, 1854), Giacomo della Chiesa earned a law degree, was ordained a priest and studied in the Vatican diplomatic service, spending much of his clerical career in service to the Vatican. He was archbishop of Bologna and was made a cardinal in 1914 as the world was on the verge of the first big war.
On the death of Pius X, he made a speech emphasizing the need for neutrality in the conflict. Weeks later, on Sept. 3, 1914, he was elected pope. World War I overlapped most of his papacy, which was highlighted by his unsuccessful efforts to bring about a peace. He also is responsible for a new code of canon law and the canonization of St. Joan of Arc. He died of pneumonia in 1922.
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