The New Student's Reference Work/Pope Benedict XV
Pope Pius X died on August 20, 1914, and was succeeded by Cardinal Giacomo della Chiesa, Archbishop of Bologna, who was elected on September 3 as Benedict XV. He is of noble blood, the son of the Marchese della Chiesa and was born at Pegli, Italy, November 21, 1854. His first public utterance was an appeal to Roman Catholics throughout the world and to the governments of Europe to pray and work for the return of peace.