Skip to content
NorthFactsFacts first, Canada's reference desk
History

Pope Pius Xii

What is pope pius xii?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Birth name Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli[2]
Birth date 2 March 1876[2]
Birth place Rome, Italy[2]
Papacy began 2 March 1939[2]
Papacy ended 9 October 1958[2]

Pope Pius XII, born Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli, was the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1939 to 1958. He led the Church during World War II and died on 9 October 1958.

Context

Pope Pius XII, born Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli, was the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1939 to 1958 [2]. He was elected pope on 2 March 1939, six months before the outbreak of World War II [3]. He led the Church through the war and remained pope until his death on 9 October 1958 [2]. He was succeeded by Pope John XXIII [1].

Documented claims

  • Pope Pius XII was the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1939 to 1958. [2]
  • He was elected pope on 2 March 1939, six months before the outbreak of World War II. [3]
  • He died on 9 October 1958 at Castel Gandolfo. [2]

Questions and answers

What is Pope Pius XII best known for?

Pope Pius XII is best known for leading the Roman Catholic Church during World War II, having been elected pope in 1939 just before the war began [3].

When did Pope Pius XII become pope?

He became pope on 2 March 1939 [3].

When did Pope Pius XII die?

He died on 9 October 1958 at Castel Gandolfo [2].

Sources

  1. Legacy of Pope Pius XII lives on 66 years after his death — vaticannews.va (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Pius XII, Pope | Encyclopedia.com — encyclopedia.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Pius XII | History | Research Starters — ebsco.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in History