Benedict XV

Full Name: Giacomo Paolo Giovanni Battista della Chiesa
Profession: 258th Pope

Nationality:

Biography: The Italian-born pop was appointed just after the outbreak of World War I, and the war and its consequences dominated his pontificate. Benedict claimed neutrality for the Vatican in the war and attempted to arbitrate peace on several occasions. These failed and he was ultimately excluded from the 1919 peace negotiations.

Benedict led the church in trying to alleviate suffering caused by the war, negotiating injured prisoner exchanges and moving civilians out of occupied and dangerous zones. After the war he continued humanitarian efforts, particularly against famine, including in Russia, while protesting there at Vladimir Lenin's ant-religious policies.

Benedict died in 1922 of pneumonia and was succeeded by Pius XI.

Born: November 21, 1854
Birthplace: Pegli, Genoa, Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: January 22, 1922 (aged 67)
Cause of Death: Pneumonia