Pope St. Pius X

Born Giuseppe Sarto to a poor village family, Pius X was a pastoral pope remembered for liturgical and devotional reforms, especially encouraging frequent Communion and lowering the age of first Communion for children. He reformed the Roman Breviary and Gregorian chant, began codifying canon law, and reorganized the Curia. He is also remembered, more contentiously, for his vigorous campaign against theological 'Modernism,' which critics view as stifling Catholic scholarship while supporters see as defending doctrinal integrity. Canonized in 1954, he was the first pope sainted since Pius V. His humble origins and personal piety shaped his lasting image.