Pope Pius IX

The Latest

When Pope Pius IX declared the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary on Dec. 8, 1854, he had a golden crown added to the mosaic of Mary, Virgin Immaculate, in the Chapel of the Choir in St. Peter's Basilica.

The remarkable life and papacy of Blessed Pope Pius IX

Feb 7, 2024

By ACI Prensa

He convened Vatican Council I, proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, and declared St. Joseph “Patron of the Church.” Read more

Pope Francis on retreat with the Roman Curia at the Casa Divin Maestro in Ariccia, Italy, March 4, 2017. Credit: Vatican Media.

From Pius XI to Pope Francis: A history of Spiritual Exercises at the Vatican

Feb 22, 2021

By Courtney Mares

For nearly 100 years, popes have set aside time for an annual retreat and meditation on spiritual exercises.   Read more